PINEHURST, N.C. – The ageless Juli Inkster shot the round of the day Saturday at the U.S. Women’s Open.
A 4-under-par 66 moved her into a tie for third at Pinehurst No. 2, four shots off the lead, giving Inkster a chance to make her 35th and final U.S. Women’s Open memorable. Inkster, who turns 54 on Tuesday, says this will be her last appearance in the championship.
Asked if she was up to making a magical run on Sunday at winning her third U.S. Women’s Open, Inkster said she isn’t even thinking about it.
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“You can dream all you want, but the bottom line is you’ve got to come out and make the shots,” Inkster said. “So, tomorrow, I’ve got to come out and make the shots. And if I’m tied for the lead coming up 18, then maybe I’ll think about it.
“I’ve got a long way to go. I’m just going to enjoy the moment and hit a few balls and see what happens.”
If Inkster earns a top-10 finish, she’ll be exempt into next year’s U.S. Women’s Open. She was asked if doing so would make her reconsider this as her last appearance.
“I’m good with it,” Inkster said. “I’m totally fine with it.”