Ep. 78 - Juli Inkster

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offera code the clubhouse altogether. I'll save talk to Brad facts about the U S Amateur. Now we get Julie Inkster to chat about the Solheim Cup. I love the Solhim Cup. It's one of my favorite events and all of women's golfing really all of golf in general. It was a big event in Des Moines. They had hundreds of thousands of people come out and watch it, and

I wanted to get Julie on the line. She of course, it was a little bit of a viral sensation with her drink cup that of course made the rounds on the internet. But also you know, wins another cup and the Americans were really really dominant. So a fun conversation, and let's get to that right now, and we welcome

into the clubhouse. Someone that's probably had a lot more fun last couple of days than you and I have Julie Inkster Solheim Cup captain, winning Solheim Cup captain and Julie, Uh, did you ever think you would become an internet meme like you did with the vodka tonic Cup? Well, I mean actually putting vodka on on the on the styro Funk Cup. I didn't even know it was there. But you know what, we we won. It was a time to probably have a solvatory tears and uh just happened

when went all out on the internet. I'm okay with it. It went a little viral. It was pretty fun. I had, I had friends that were texting me. I mean, I think, you know you're one of those universally liked people around the golf community to begin with, but it was a moment. I think it's like people that don't pay a ton of attention to golf, or pay a ton of attention to women's golf, We're like, man, this person is awesome getting these text messages with pictures like that's the way

to captain a team. And we were having a good time with it. We were, of course doing the amateur and all everybody was all fired up. I was just telling you before we start, we'd go to we'd go to Riviera and watch the Solheim for three or four hours, and then we'd go, all right, we actually have to do work. Now we've got to go. We've got to do with this USA. And but I mean, how was

the week it was? I know, I mean, you guys got up to the big lead, You had that sweep in day one that really kind of propelled you throughout the week. But the week, I mean, you go straight from San Diego to de Moine and I mean you're basically flying in Sunday night. I mean, was it stressful getting there like that? I mean, did the week feel as normal as it did last time? You know what? It actually went pretty well. Um. You know, I was pretty organized on what I needed to do um that

week and had it pretty mapped out. So when I got there late Sunday night, you know, I just got up Monday and and uh, you know, we all met for breakfast and kind of laid out the plan for the week, and you know, everybody was really anxious to get going and get on the golf course and and find out what the Morone Country Club was all about. So it actually just felt like another week. Um, the girls played the amazing golf, I mean European side and American side. I mean, I think it was great for

a women's golf. Um, but I'm really happy we got to retain that cup. Yeah, it was. It was fun to see some of the teams you put out. I mean when you looked at your team, you had, you know, Daniel Kane playing for the first time and she's you know, good friends with Michelle. We did you think about rolling them out early? Was it something that they asked to

play with? How do you make up and and figure out exactly the teams that you're going to roll with throughout the week and how much change do you make if something's not working well? Um, I want to get Daniel King out there, um early because anybody knows Daniel, she's she's chomp on the bed to get to get going. And I didn't want to sit her in the afternoon. I mean I didn't want to, um wait to the afternoon to get her out there. So UM, I got her out there early. And UM, you know Paul is

so good at alternate shot. Um, I thought it would be good to get her and Austin out there early also, UM, and then angel In UM. You know, I didn't really she didn't really feel comfortable playing UM alternate shot or or UM force him, so UM. I waited in the afternoon to get her out there. But I wanted everybody to play that first day UM, and I thought it was great to get those rookies out early and get

him accustomed to UM, the crowds and the noise. And because no one knows how you're gonna react when you get on that first team. I mean, you can talk about it all you want, but everybody reacted differently. And uh, you know, they showed up and they played, and and I kind of been more happy with my rookies, that's for sure. Yeah, they played unbelievable. It was. It was fun to watch them because it seemed as though, especially the young players, were so excited to get out there.

But it didn't seem like they were overly excited. I think sometimes you see players get get out on the first team and they're so nervous and anxious it's something they wanted to do for so long. But it seemed like these these players, these rookies that had never done it before, seemed just as comfortable as somebody like Christie Kerr.

Was there a player that you were nervous about maybe getting too excited or too up or did everybody seem to be kind of on that page where they knew what they wanted to do and they just wanted to get out there and play golf. Well, I think, you know, pairing daniel King with Lizette Solace, Um, Lizette's very calm, um. You know, she's very into, um, you know, the task at hand, and I think she didn't really let Danielle

get out there too much. He really kept Danielle, um, you know, on point on what we're trying to do, um, alternate shot. And then um, pairing Austin out there with Paula, I mean that was you know she Paula really took off and underneath her wings and um, Austin just followed her around and um, you know show Paula did an amazing job showing her with the sol I'm cups about.

And also when you're on the golf course, you know how to play as a team out there, and so I was really comfortable with you know, then I had you know, Christie and Lexi who have played in Germany together and they know each other well. And then um, Stacy and Gerina. So I felt really comfortable with my parents. Um My, my first and fourth, you know, my second and third could have gone either way, but I felt comfortable that with Lasette and Paula helping them that um,

he says, they're amazing players, Daniel and Austin. It's just getting someone to um, you know, kind of hold their hands and reel them in a little bit. So are you gonna apply to be on Dancing with the Stars? Do they have to approach you? I mean it was, it was every day on the first team. It was pretty impressive stuff. I mean, I mean, do you have did you have? Do you feel like your team gets

sees you doing that and almost relaxes them a little bit. Yeah, you know, Um it's really nerve racking on that first tea and and uh, um, you know that's kind of the way I'm kind of loose and uh I don't really stress out a lot about a lot of things. But that's the kind of way that our whole team was in our locker room was And um, you know, I know how hard it is to play in the Little Lamp Cup, and I know the nerves you having the lamp cup, and so I just try to loosen

them up a little bit. Is there like a moment where, you know, somebody like Michelle earlier in the week, you know, brings all of their American swag if you will, you know, the new shoes and and the things that they're going to have that are new, that are that are made

basically by their manufacturers. Is there like a reveal process where they're like, look at these things that I've got, because it did seem like everybody had, you know, they had the red, white and blue shoes, no matter what sponsor was, and they had, you know, different things in their golf bags and head covers and all that stuff. Is that Is that something that is a fun part of it behind the scenes for these players? Oh yeah, Michelle. Every day he'd come out, we were all wondering what

shoes she's going to bring out? We really love the bling one stuff. Yeah, man, they were they were amazing. Yeah, He's a goodness. Uh but you know, and and then you know, Paula had her stuff and Drina had her stuff, and you know it's fun. I mean, I mean, these these girls love this tournament. They love representing representing the Red, white, and Blue, and I mean we had it all all week, and uh, it's pretty cool. So I have to ask

about the whole Lexie thing on Sunday. You know, she goes out, she's four down, and you go talk to her a bit. So what did you talk to her about on the golf course, Because, as you've said to me before, sometimes you know, you don't want to go out there and mess with anybody when they're playing. But you went out there and you grabbed her and you talked to her a bit and gave her a hug.

What you say to her and what she say after kind of about the conversation that flipped that whole match around for well, you know, I just you know, I know she hits some really loose shots, and whenever she hits loose shots, he gets really down on herself. And so I just went out there and said, hey, you know you got to pick her head up. You know I'm counting on you, man. I put you out here because you know I need your point. I need you give me a half a point, just give me something.

And I said, you know you're a best player on this team. You know you need to start playing like that, you need to start acting like it. And uh, I said, I have all the confidence world that you can do this. I've seen you make six birdies in a row. So just settle down, just go about your business. I said, you know, you've got a lot of holes left on the match. Can flip at any time, That's what I said, And it did. Gabor hug and off she went seven

under on the back side. Unbelievable problem, no problem. Oh my goodness. It was crazy to watch. I mean it was I was telling you we were doing the amateur and Josh picked that one of our guys that does stands for us. He would hit me in my ear during the broadcast and go Alexis six under, Lexi seven under, Alexei's eight under. In one break, I went eight underwear because the back nine, I was like, no way. I mean, it was just kind of funny to get those up.

And you should have heard the crowds. Man, you could tell us he was coming back. And when she you know, when she got to Birtis ten, you know, three down, Bertie's at eleven, you know, two down, and you could hear the roar starting coming back. And I said, here she comes. You know, it was great. Is there was there a moment did Christie say anything to you or when she realized that she passed you for all times Solheim points for an American. Was there any moment there

where she came up to you and when I got you? No? No, no, You know, if anybody deserves it's Christie, Me and that girl. You know you roll her out there any time, and it's just shocked it just didn't get you at least a half a point. Um. That girl is just born for match play. It's since she's born for the Solheim Cup. And believe me, she's gonna tack on a few more points do well. She was. I really felt like it

was the best I've ever saw her putt. I mean, I know she's a great match play putter, but it seemed like that eight to twelve ft range she was cashing the entire week, no matter if it was early in the round or late in the match, it was. It really seemed like I would say it was probably one of the best putting weeks that Christie Kerrs ever had. Yeah, I mean, I'll just give you a little example. First ple, first match as a Solheim Cup it's a kind of a little dog. I mean, you can reach it if

if she hit a good shot. Lexi Thompson just bust a three with about fifteen feet away and Christie Kerr rolls it in said okay, let's get this thing going. And that's just the way you know, that's just the way she is. I mean she I'll tell you her and Daniel came put it great. I mean, I mean I saw cous he missed one like maybe four footer, but I didn't see Daniel King as any four or

five footers. I mean, she put it amazing. And you know, an alternate shot, you need someone that's going to roll in those three or four footers because on those greens, you're gonna have them all day long. And uh, and she did that. So you know, usually in the Solheim Cup comes down to putting, and uh, you know, this year,

I think we maybe out putt it him a little bit. Yeah, Daniel, I mean I think you know, when she won the Major this year, you know, I think there was a moment and you and I had a couple of conversations on the road about it. You know, she seemed like the I have a player that you would want on the team. And I loved that there'd be moments where, you know, her teammate might not hit a great put or not a great lag put, and they'd be frustrated with themselves, and Daniel just had a smile on her face.

It was like, I'm good and you're fine, no worries. If you left me five feet and she'd go up there and knock it in. She seemed like the type of player that you want to have as a teammate. And I'll tell you she has earned a ton of fans in two thousand seventeen. I mean, it's definitely been

the year of Daniel Kane. Yeah, I mean, I just I just think it was big, just um, you know, winning her first tournament, you know KPMG in Chicago, Um it was Chicago, Yeah, and uh whatever, I mean she was you know in the last round, Um, there are a lot of people around her, and uh, I mean this really kind of told me to tell it she

could handle the pressure. And she went out and then won that thing and uh and earned that championship, and um, you know I wasn't really I mean, the only thing I was worried about Daniel as her getting too hyped up. But you know, once I saw her that first hole, first tee box, I just felt that she was going to be fine. And she definitely, uh, definitely nailed it

the whole week. I was going to ask you about the Eagle that Lexie and Christie made, so, I mean, you already discussed it a bit, but when you saw that go in as a captain, first match out of the first day, your your first team goes and makes it two on the first hole for eagle, what are you thinking? Are you going, well, this could this might go really well for us. Well, you know, a lot of holes left. But I like the way we started. I mean, I mean, guy, as a captain, you can't

ask for something better. I was just like yes and uh and they just kept rolling so um it was it was you know, it was just kind of the start that I wanted. You know, I wanted Alexei to get up there and bomb that ball, and I wanted to see cur to roll that rock in and they did it. Well. Who was the team room m v P? You know the person that made everybody laugh was was

a surprise star behind the scenes. You know that maybe gained just maybe fans within the fans, you know, people in the room, who was who was the m v P of the week when you guys would go back, you know, the hotel and meet up at night, Um, besides you, besides you, of course, I mean here, it's kind of laughed that Angeli Yen was great. Uh she you know, she was an eighteen year old rookie, and I think why she was m VTA. She had no

idea what was going on at any time. Um, and she she didn't know when what dinner was, when the bus was leading, He didn't know what to wear, She didn't know what time to be anywhere. She was always late. I mean she but you know, it was pretty funny and uh so I think we've probably got the most laughs out of her. Um. Probably the probably the leader of the team on on on that week was I would probably say Christie Kerr. She uh you know, she

would get up and give some talks. They were all pretty bad, but she tried and and she knows she was bad. But um, you know, Christie kurz Um really learned um how to be a great teammate. And uh, I could really see it the last couple of years. She's she's kind of taking the initiative to trying to rally everybody together. So it's good to see. So we you and I have talked about the LPGA and how there's been this focus on going to smaller markets because

you know, the crowds come out. I mean when you go to somewhere like Arkansas or you know, Danville, somewhere like that, and and these events seem like the fans come and swell out and build up. I've never seen fans at an LPG event like they were out at the Moine. I mean, how impressed were you by the crowds, by the support, and simply by the ticket sales because you know, I mean they're talking hundred and fifty thousand people for the week, you know, coming out to the

Solheim Cup. Yeah, I mean it was a great venue for us. I mean, first of all, when I got there, um, you know, a couple of years ago, I didn't really know much about the morning. I didn't really know much about of course at all. And then when I got there and rode around and saw the golf course and their visioned that they were going to have and how they're going to set it up, and you know, first

tea what it's going to look like. Um, I knew that it was going to be something special, and uh, just by the sponsorships they had and the you know, the pre pre tournament get togethers, um everybody really really rallied around it. And then to see that people come, especially on that first tea on Friday morning, it was it was I think everybody was amazed and impressed by

the job they did. Well. You spoke after the Solheim Cup about you basically had had a moment where you're talking about women's golf and you feel like they're gets short changed at time. I think your exact quote was, as women golfer, we always get short changed and it irks me. And I think this is something that I don't want to say it's bugged you, but it's definitely something that's been on your mind for a bit. So first, what I wanted to ask, why did you bring it

up at this point? Was it just something you were thinking about? And second, can you expand on just kind of your thoughts and what you where you think this is when the sense of you know, sponsorships and women's golf moving forward and what you'd like to see changed. Well, I think someone in the media brought something up about women's golf, and and then and then I went on my little rant. I just feel like, um, I like

you thought, I ran like that. Yes, I just feel like women's golf doesn't get the respect it deserves, not not I mean all over um the United States. I just think, Um, you know how these a lot of these companies, UM get away with sponsoring men's tournaments and not doing anything for the women when usually, you know, the women are the one that run the household and

pay the bills and and do all that. And um, you know, not only that, but you know it's like, um, a p G a tour of the guys, you know, when when they win the President's Cup and when they win the Ryder Cup, you know, all our girls tweeted out or instagram it out or whatever. And I just feel like, you know, they we don't get to respect from the guys that I think we deserve. And it kind of bugs me because we're huge supporters of the PGA Tour, and you know, I think I'd like to

see them support our girls a little bit more. When when you watch something like the Solheim Cup, I mean when you see a the fans and be the product and see how much fun the event is. You know, you're reminded every time. I mean, women's golf just continues to get better and better and better, and the players are unbelievable. And I mean you said it, Lexie hits three wood on the first hold, its three five yards for good mistakes. I mean, it's not like it's a

watered down product. And it is a surprise that it seems that it doesn't get as much fanfare these days as I'm and I'm in agreement with you it should because it's damn fun to watch. The players are unbelievable, And if you go out to an LPG event just for one day, I would guarantee anyone listening that's never seen uh, you know, the female golf professionally in person, it will change your complete opinion and thoughts on it,

because it's unbelievable to see. Yeah, and you know it's it's it's you know, it's media like you guys and and uh you know the press and and uh um, you know, TV and stuff that can really help us in showcase women's golf. And you're right, I mean, it's it's not they don't hit it to, you know, they and yeah, and it's just I mean, it's just it's just so much fun to watch. And I just I get I because I just don't think we get the

respect that we deserve. And um, you know, I just thought it was time to maybe step up and say something. Is there something that you think the LPG eight Tour could do moving forward to help the product, is to showcase it in different ways or or to do something

a little bit different in that regard. Well, I would love to see like a um, you know, we used to have the old J. C. Penney and I'd love to see that come back, where you put a pj A Tour in LPGA Tour and you have a an event or um, you know, do something like the uh the U S G A did It partners play, you know, the PGA Tour. UM maybe the same one week on um one course and then we play another course that's close by the same venue, and you know we have back to back or we have tournaments at the same

time on the same venue but different courses. I mean, I think that would be awesome where you can come out and watch the women and the men play. UM. So I mean little things like that. I think, I think something they can do and something that that they should do. Yeah. I mean, if you think back the Pinehurst when they had the US Open and the Women's

Open the week after. I remember there was cameras they'd be showing Martin Khimer in you know, Ricky Fowler in the final group, and then they cut to Michelle we on the fourth hole in a practice around, and I mean it was just just bringing that in was cool, you know. I mean we weren't seeing much of her practice round, but it was just knowing that, you know, one of the most famous, you know, female golfers on the planets out on for grinding as these guys are

trying to win a US Open. It was neat to see it. Like you said, it was. It was kind of an interwoven product that I think could help. And I love what you say about bringing back a team event like the J. C. Penny. It's it's fun to see. When when we did that Franklin Templeton down in in Naples this past December, you know, it was the biggest group was Lexi and Bryson. I mean, that was the

most followed group. That was the one that got all the press and the fanfare, and I think it's it's great to see that because you know, Bryson de Shambo said that comment. At one point, he said, I was walking up to my ball and I had the double check it to make sure it was wasn't me or life sca, you know, when you're playing from the same tea. And I love those types of things because you do get to see it next you, side by side, great play between both the both people, no matter if it's

male or female. Yeah, you're right. Um, well, a couple more things. One is that I I was going to ask you are around a lot of these young players and you've got to spend a lot of time. Is anybody complaining about this dress code thing? Because it seems like it just kind of came out of nowhere. Um, you know, no one's really said anything to me about it. Um, you know. I I just you know, as you know, Shane, I would never never disgrace the dress coast. I don't

think we were talking about me though. Um, I don't know. I you know, I I think it's probably kind of a non issue. I think people are gonna, um maybe just lower than inch or two. But you know, I stuff like that I don't really get involved in because it's uh to me, it's not the end of the world. Yeah, it's not the end. My other question is, and I'm sure you've been asked this before, I'll ask you again, are we going to see another Julie Ekster captain Solon

Cup team? I don't know. I don't know. Well, let's see how it goes. I mean, I'm sure there's other people that should be able to do it, but I will be in and Scotland one way or the other. That's sure. Well, it's it's got to be one of those things. I mean you spend so when you start this capency for this past Solheim Cup, I mean, is it a year and a half out that you start to work on things and and go see the venues?

How much time goes into it? Because it's I mean, I've been around you a lot this summer and it's something you're constantly working on and doing is preparing for this. But I mean is it eighteen months out? Is it two years out? I mean how much time do you spend on this? Well, I would say like, um, two thousand and eighteen, um, not not a lot goes on. I mean I'll go over. I mean, whoever is would go over and see the venue, um, check it out. Um,

you know, find out where we're staying doing all that stuff. Um, and you know, maybe do the outfit. At the end of two thousand and eighteen and then really two thousand nineteen, it really ramps up. That's where you know, the the points starts shifting around because it's double points and you know you got to start you know, thinking about you know, um, you know who's playing well, who you need to kick in the buck, you need to get going, uh so um,

getting some dinners together, you know, practice round. I had one big practice round um in Houston this year where I got everybody together for a couple of days and that was fun. So stuff like that really starts ramping up and um, and then you know, you know, a

few months out, I mean every day it's something. So but you know, I had a really good working relationship with Chris Garrett, who was a tournament director, and and uh, you know we we this is our second time around, so we kind of knew what took spect from each other. Well awesome, I appreciate you taking some time to chat. I know, I know it was a crazy week for you. I'm sure you're enjoying maybe a little downtime right now and enjoying possibly a vodka tonic where the bartender doesn't

write it on the cup. But great summer. We had a lot of fun together. It was a it was a fun, fun few weeks doing all those amateur events. And I know you're probably excited to take some time off. Are you gonna be playing some golf anytime soon? I'm actually playing Portland's next week and then I'm gonna set see you at the Walker Cup. That'll be that, Julie. I appreciate it. Congrats, It was it was a lot of It was a lot of fun to watch. I'm telling you, the Soulhan Cup is is easily my favorite

event that that the LPGA puts on. And uh and it was cool to see the Americans come out there and play that well. And I know that that the players are probably fired up to to give you another one of those wins. Well, thanks for having me on. Appreciate it. It looks like I'm are many thanks to Julie Aster for hopping on. I know she had a busy week last week. She mentioned she's going to play golf next week as well, so a few days off. So thanks to Julie and congrats to the entire Team

USA for the victory. It was a lot of fun to watch and I can't wait for two years. It really is one of the best events in all of golf. Team events are just awesome, every team event. I'm excited about the Walker Cup September nine and tenth will have that at Fox That will be a great one as well. And just a reminder to go to O g oh dot com O g i o dot com and check out their entire line of golf products backpacks everything. I travel with my Renegade backpack everywhere I go and it

is awesome. Keeps everything safe, laptop, iPad, yardage book, cell phone, sunglasses, It's got a pocket for everything. I've had the backpeck for a few months and it is easily my favorite thing. I travel with. The Renegade backpack. Check out everything, use the offera code the clubhouse at check out. You'll save anything at O gio osio dot com. Trust me, you'll love the stuff they have and you'll improve your golfing experience. Again,

thanks to Julie, Thanks to you all, for listening. We'll be back next week.