Wendy Ward Bio
Wendy Ward is an American professional golfer born on May 6, 1973, in San Antonio, Texas. She turned professional in 1995, quickly establishing herself on the LPGA Tour where she accumulated four wins before retiring in 2013. A standout in college golf, she attended Arizona State University, winning the prestigious Honda Sports Award twice. Her best year on tour was 2001 when she finished 12th on the LPGA money list. Beyond her playing career, she has also contributed to the sport as an assistant captain for the U.S. Solheim Cup team. Ward now resides in Edwall, Washington, where she manages a cattle ranch with her husband, Nate Hair.
Early Life and Background
Wendy Ward was born in San Antonio, Texas. She attended Arizona State University, where she had a successful National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) career. During her time at Arizona State, she was a two-time Honda Sports Award winner and a three-time first team All-American. She also became the Pac-10 Champion in 1993 and 1995, leading her team to titles in 1993, 1994, and 1995. Ward graduated in 1995 with a degree in Business Management. In 1994, she won the U.S. Women’s Amateur and represented the United States in the Curtis Cup, a biennial team competition between amateur golfers from the U.S. and those from Great Britain and Ireland.
Path to Golf
After completing her education, Wendy Ward turned professional in 1995 and qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt, becoming a rookie in 1996. Her first notable victory came at the 1997 Fieldcrest Cannon Classic, where she set both the all-time 54 and 72-hole LPGA scoring records, which have since been surpassed. Throughout her career, she won four tournaments on the LPGA Tour. Her best season was in 2001, when she finished 12th on the official LPGA Tour money list. Ward was also a member of the U.S. Solheim Cup teams in 2002, 2003, and 2005, and she served as an assistant captain for the 2015 Solheim Cup team.
Wendy Ward Career
Early Career (1995–2001)
Wendy Ward began her professional career in 1995 and quickly made a name for herself on the LPGA Tour. Her first significant achievement came in 1997 when she won the Fieldcrest Cannon Classic. This victory marked the beginning of her successful career on the tour. Over the next few years, she continued to build her reputation, culminating in her best season in 2001 when she finished 12th on the LPGA money list.
Breakthrough (2001–2013)
Ward’s breakthrough year was 2001, during which she solidified her status as a top competitor on the LPGA Tour. She achieved notable finishes in major championships, including a tie for third place at the Women’s PGA Championship in both 2000 and 2001, and a sixth-place finish at the Women’s British Open in 2003. Throughout her career, she won a total of four tournaments on the LPGA Tour, showcasing her skills and determination.
Notable Works and Milestones
Wendy Ward’s signature work includes her four LPGA Tour victories and her contributions to the U.S. Solheim Cup teams. She won the Honda Sports Award twice during her collegiate career, highlighting her early promise and talent in golf.
Wendy Ward Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Wendy Ward has received several nominations and awards, including the prestigious Honda Sports Award, which she won in 1994 and 1995.
Wendy Ward Awards Won
Wendy Ward has won the Honda Sports Award twice, recognizing her exceptional performance in collegiate golf.
Wendy Ward Family
Wendy Ward is married to Nate Hair, and together they manage a cattle ranch in Edwall, Washington.
Personal Life
Ward lives on a 300-acre cattle ranch where she operates a cow/calf beef operation with her husband. They have built a life together in Washington, balancing their professional and personal commitments.