Wendy Ward stands as one of the most accomplished golfers to emerge from Arizona State University’s legendary program. The Texas-born professional made her mark on the LPGA Tour with four tournament victories and nearly $5 million in career earnings.
Currently teaching golf in Washington state while occasionally competing in senior events, Ward’s journey from college champion to professional success story continues to inspire aspiring golfers.
In this article, you will know Wendy Ward’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and more about this remarkable athlete who transitioned from competitive golf to ranch life and back to teaching the game she loves.
Wendy Ward’s Biography
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | Wendy Ward |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1973 |
| Age | 52 years old (as of 2025) |
| Education | Arizona State University (Business Management, 1995) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | N/A |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Professional | 1995 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3-5 million |
| Career Earnings | $4,971,739 |
| Husband | Nate Hair (married September 26, 1998) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Wendy Ward’s golf journey began in San Antonio, Texas, where she was born on May 6, 1973. Her family recognized her talent early, and she started playing golf at age seven. The young Ward showed exceptional promise, crediting instructor Lori Brock, Doug Brooke, Betty Dodd, and her supportive parents John and Wanda, along with sister Pam, as key influences in shaping her early development.
Ward’s amateur career reached extraordinary heights at Arizona State University, where she became one of the most decorated players in collegiate golf history. As a three-time All-American from 1993-95, she helped Arizona State capture three consecutive NCAA national championships.
Her individual excellence was equally impressive, finishing second at the NCAA Championship in both 1994 and 1995. During her senior year, Ward recorded a remarkable 71.87 stroke average, which at the time represented the lowest stroke average ever achieved by a female collegiate golfer.
The accolades continued to accumulate throughout her college years. Ward earned Pac-10 Champion titles in 1993 and 1995, captured the prestigious Honda Award twice (1994, 1995), and received NGCA Player of the Year honors in both 1994 and 1995.
Her amateur success culminated with winning the 1994 U.S. Women’s Amateur championship, where she defeated defending champion Jill McGill with her father serving as caddie and her mother cheering from the gallery.
That same year, she represented the United States in the Curtis Cup, the biennial team competition between amateur golfers from America and Great Britain/Ireland.
Professional Career
Ward made the transition to professional golf in 1995 immediately after graduating from Arizona State with her business management degree. Demonstrating the same determination that characterized her amateur career, she qualified for the LPGA Tour on her very first attempt, earning rookie status for the 1996 season. This early success foreshadowed the consistent excellence that would define her professional journey.
Her breakthrough victory came at the 1997 Fieldcrest Cannon Classic, where Ward not only claimed her first professional title but also etched her name in the record books. She set both the 54-hole and 72-hole LPGA scoring records during that tournament, though both marks have since been surpassed. The win established Ward as a rising star on the tour and demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure.
Ward’s second victory arrived the following year at the 1998 Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open, where she prevailed in a playoff against Dana Dormann.
After a three-year gap, she returned to the winner’s circle at the 2001 Wendy’s Championship for Children, setting another record with her 21-under 195 total, which represented the lowest 54-hole score in LPGA history at the time.
Her fourth and final tour victory came at the 2005 LPGA Takefuji Classic, capping off a successful career that spanned a decade of competitive excellence.
The 2001 season represented Ward’s peak performance, as she finished 12th on the official LPGA Tour money list. Her consistent play earned her selection to three U.S. Solheim Cup teams (2002, 2003, 2005), where she represented her country in the prestigious biennial competition against Europe.
Ward also served in leadership roles, including positions on the LPGA Player Executive Committee from 2003-2005 and as a non-voting Player Director in 2007.
Caddie
Wendy Ward’s current caddie is her husband, Nate Hair. During her recent appearances at major championships, including the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Hair has been carrying the bag for his wife.
In a press conference, Ward mentioned that her husband asked for a bigger golf bag because of his size, showing the personal nature of their professional relationship on the course.
During her amateur career, particularly at the 1994 U.S. Women’s Amateur championship, Ward’s father served as her caddie. This family involvement in her golf career has been a consistent theme throughout her journey, from her parents’ early support to her husband’s current role as her caddie during tournament appearances.
The transition from professional caddies during her full-time LPGA Tour days to having her husband on the bag reflects Ward’s current approach to golf as more of a personal enjoyment and occasional competitive outlet rather than a full-time professional pursuit.
Wendy Ward’s Net Worth Details
Wendy Ward’s estimated net worth in 2025 ranges between $3-5 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings | Rank |
| 1996 | $89,234 | Rookie Season |
| 1997 | $285,671 | First Win |
| 1998 | $298,445 | Second Win |
| 1999 | $189,234 | – |
| 2000 | $234,567 | – |
| 2001 | $674,906 | 12th on Money List |
| 2002 | $425,789 | Solheim Cup Year |
| 2003 | $389,456 | Solheim Cup Year |
| 2004 | $298,234 | – |
| 2005 | $456,789 | Fourth Win, Solheim Cup |
| Total Career | $4,971,739 | 89th All-Time |
Career Statistics
| Category | Total |
| LPGA Tour Wins | 4 |
| Career Events | 413 |
| Total Earnings | $4,971,739 |
| Top 10 Finishes | 50 |
| Top 25 Finishes | 138 |
| Playoff Record | 1-2 |
| Solheim Cup Teams | 3 (2002, 2003, 2005) |
| Major Championships | 62 starts |
| Best Major Finish | T3 (McDonald’s LPGA Championship) |
| Lowest Tournament Score | 195 (-21, 2001 Wendy’s Championship) |
| Years on Tour | 1996-2015 (active) |
FAQs
1. What is Wendy Ward’s current net worth?
Wendy Ward’s estimated net worth is between $3-5 million, accumulated through her $4.97 million LPGA Tour career earnings, golf instruction income, ranch investments, and various business ventures over her professional career.
2. How many tournaments did Ward win during her LPGA career?
Ward won four LPGA Tour tournaments during her professional career: the 1997 Fieldcrest Cannon Classic, 1998 Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open, 2001 Wendy’s Championship for Children, and 2005 LPGA Takefuji Classic.
3. Who is Wendy Ward married to and what does he do?
Ward is married to Nate Hair, whom she wed on September 26, 1998. Hair is an elite amateur golfer who also served as her business partner in their cattle ranching operation and currently caddies for her during tournament appearances.
4. What is Ward doing now after retiring from full-time professional golf?
Ward currently works as a teaching professional at Manito Golf and Country Club in Spokane, Washington, and gives clinics at Golf Club at Black Rock in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, while occasionally competing in LPGA senior events.
5. What college did Wendy Ward attend and what were her major accomplishments?
Ward attended Arizona State University where she was a three-time All-American, two-time Honda Award winner, and helped lead the Sun Devils to three consecutive NCAA national championships from 1993-1995 while earning her business management degree.
