Photo Credit: LPGA.com
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Juli Inkster added another remarkable achievement to her legendary LPGA career at the 2026 Dow Championship. The 65-year-old Hall of Famer became the oldest player to make a cut in LPGA Tour history. She reached the weekend alongside partner Angel Yin at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan. Inkster broke a record that had stood for more than 20 years. She surpassed JoAnne Carner, who previously held the mark after making the cut at age 64 during the 2004 Chick-fil-A Charity Championship. Inkster reached the milestone at 65 years, 11 months and 19 days old, proving that experience and determination still matter at the highest level.
The accomplishment marked Inkster’s first made cut on the LPGA Tour since the 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give. Although she has played only sparingly in recent years, she showed she can still compete against today’s top players when the opportunity arrives. Inkster credited much of the week’s success to Angel Yin, who invited her to compete in the LPGA Tour’s only regular-season team event. The partnership reunited two golfers who already shared a strong friendship through the Solheim Cup. Inkster captained the United States team in 2017 and 2019, while Yin competed on both squads after earning one of Inkster’s captain’s selections.
Their relationship continued long after those Solheim Cup appearances. Yin frequently visits Inkster in the California desert, where they spend time together away from tournament golf. Their friendship eventually led Yin to ask Inkster to become her teammate for the 2026 Dow Championship. Inkster admitted she needed time before accepting the invitation. However, she eventually decided the experience meant more than worrying about results. She embraced the opportunity to enjoy one more competitive week alongside someone she genuinely enjoys spending time with.
Before the tournament, Inkster joked that the team format worked perfectly for her. She laughed that Yin could carry the load during best-ball play and handle plenty of the work during alternate shot. More importantly, Inkster wanted to enjoy herself instead of placing pressure on every shot. That relaxed approach helped the duo survive the opening two rounds and secure a place in the weekend field. Inkster said she enjoyed every moment with Yin despite believing they left several scoring opportunities on the course.
Her performance carried even greater significance because competitive appearances have become increasingly rare. Inkster entered only her second LPGA event over the last two seasons. She previously played in the 2025 Portland Classic, where she narrowly missed the cut by one stroke after finishing at 1-under par through two rounds. That close call left Inkster wondering what might have been. This time, however, she finished the job and earned another memorable place in the LPGA record book. The accomplishment joined an already remarkable resume that includes 31 LPGA Tour victories and seven major championships.
Inkster built one of the greatest careers in women’s golf long before this week. Nevertheless, her latest achievement showcased something different. Instead of highlighting trophies or major titles, it celebrated remarkable longevity and an enduring passion for competition. Many players leave professional golf long before reaching their mid-60s. Inkster continues finding reasons to compete while embracing opportunities that bring both enjoyment and meaningful moments. Her willingness to challenge herself inspired fellow competitors and golf fans alike.
Although history surrounded her accomplishment, Inkster never made the record the week’s primary focus. She remained far more interested in sharing laughs with Yin and creating lasting memories during a special tournament. The duo even embraced the playful nickname “Team Frick & Frack,” reflecting the fun atmosphere they created throughout the week. Their chemistry became just as memorable as their scores, reminding everyone that friendship can become one of the greatest rewards in sports.
Inkster’s record also highlighted the value of experience. While today’s LPGA features longer hitters and younger stars, golf still rewards smart decisions, steady nerves, and confidence under pressure. Inkster relied on those qualities throughout her historic career, and they once again helped her succeed. Her performance also served as a reminder that age does not automatically limit competitive excellence. Instead, preparation, knowledge, and determination often allow elite athletes to continue achieving remarkable milestones long after many expect them to step away.
For Inkster, the record represented another unforgettable chapter rather than the defining moment of her career. She already secured her place among golf’s all-time greats years ago. Still, making history once again at the Dow Championship added another meaningful accomplishment to an extraordinary legacy. As the tournament continued into the weekend, Inkster focused less on records and more on enjoying every round with one of her closest friends. That mindset ultimately made the achievement even more meaningful. While history remembered the number beside her age, Inkster treasured the memories she created alongside Angel Yin.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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