They also had a responsibility to help the next generation, which they did in many big and small ways. Pam Barnett, who won once on the LPGA Tour before a wrist injury sidelined her career, mentored Daniel, and then helped her through many of the questions a rookie always seems to have. Later, Barnett became a teacher in Arizona, and Daniel would regularly stay in her house when traveling out west.

Barnett wasn’t the only big sister who helped Daniel. Carole Jo Callison and JoAnne Carner were tremendous assets to many young players in that era, but especially to Daniel.

“I was really long when I first came out, but my short game was not very good,” Daniel said. “JoAnne and Carole Jo took me aside and said, ‘We’re going to teach you how to hit a wedge.’ They changed the whole way I played my wedges. As a result, I became a pretty darn good wedge player. There were some players who got mad at them for helping me because, before, I was unable to take advantage of my length if I had to pitch the ball.”

Ironically, one of Daniel’s Tour wins was the 1982 American Express Sun City Classic, which she captured in a playoff over Carole Jo Callison.

“I certainly tried to return those favors and help whatever young player wanted my help when I was playing, and even now,” Daniel said. “I used to give out my number to everyone and say, ‘If you need anything, please give me a call.’ Some did, some didn’t.

What surprised me a little was that 90 percent of the calls I got were about caddies. Almost every young player has an issue with that.

“But when I’m giving advice to young players now, it’s that the Tour is not like amateur golf. You have to be careful with your schedule. Don’t overdo it and wear yourself out, physically and mentally. Develop a rhythm and a schedule that works best for you so that you can play your best golf in the big events.

“Also, put yourself in a routine where you practice certain things and then get out of there. The tendency of young players is to hang out all day at the golf course because they see other players out there. Find your routine. Work on what you need to work on, and then rest. That’s going to do you a lot of good in the long run.

Pioneer Beth Daniel Reflects on Her LPGA Journey

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