Born: October 14, 1956 (Charleston, South Carolina)
Beth Daniel (born October 14, 1956) is an American professional golfer who had a successful career on the LPGA Tour. She was known for her consistency and competitiveness, and she became an influential figure in women’s golf. Daniel won 33 LPGA Tour events, including one major championship, and she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 14, 1956, Beth Daniel developed a passion for golf at a young age. She played her collegiate golf at Furman University and was a standout player on the 1976 national championship team, which included future LPGA players Betsy King, Sherri Turner, and Cindy Ferro. In 1977, Daniel received the prestigious Broderick Award (now known as the Honda Sports Award) as the nation’s best female collegiate golfer.
Daniel’s talent was evident early on, as she won the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1975 and 1977 and the Women’s Western Amateur in 1978. Her skills and dedication earned her a spot on the U.S. Curtis Cup teams in 1976 and 1978, where she had a remarkable record of 4-0 in 1976. After a successful amateur career, Daniel turned professional at the end of 1978 and joined the LPGA Tour in 1979.
In her rookie year on the LPGA Tour, Daniel made an immediate impact by winning her first tournament, the Patty Berg Classic. She went on to be named the LPGA Rookie of the Year. Despite the dominance of Nancy Lopez during that time, Daniel continued to excel and won a total of 13 tournaments over the next five years. In 1980, she had a particularly impressive season, winning four tournaments and being named the LPGA Tour Player of the Year.
Throughout her career, Daniel displayed remarkable consistency and competitiveness. She led the LPGA Tour in wins in 1982, 1990, and 1994, showcasing her ability to perform at the highest level. In 1989, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the second golfer in Tour history to record a scoring average below 71.00.
The year 1990 was a standout season for Daniel. She won seven tournaments, including her sole major championship, the Mazda LPGA Championship. Daniel’s exceptional performance on the golf course earned her recognition as the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. Despite facing two major slumps in her career, from 1986 to 1988 and again from 1996 to 2002, Daniel remained determined and resilient. In 2003, at the age of 46 years, 8 months, and 29 days, she became the oldest winner in Tour history, proving that age was no barrier to success.
Daniel received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She was named the Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year in 1980 and 1990, highlighting her consistent excellence in the sport. In 1981, she won the Seagrams Seven Crowns of Sport Award for women’s golf. Daniel’s lasting impact on the game of golf was recognized when she was inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame in September 1995. In 2000, during the LPGA’s 50th Anniversary, she was honored as one of the organization’s top 50 players and teachers.
Daniel’s contributions to women’s golf extended beyond her individual accomplishments. She represented the United States on eight U.S. Solheim Cup teams, showcasing her team spirit and dedication to the sport. Daniel’s influence on future generations of female golfers cannot be overstated.
In the later stages of her career, Daniel chose to cut back her schedule, participating in just five events by 2005. Her legacy, however, remained intact, as she continued to inspire both fans and fellow golfers with her remarkable career and unwavering passion for the game.
Beth Daniel’s journey as a professional golfer is a testament to her resilience, talent, and dedication. Her success on the LPGA Tour, including her major championship victory and induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame, solidifies her place as one of the most accomplished and influential figures in women’s golf history.
Awards:
– LPGA Rookie of the Year (1979)
– LPGA Tour Player of the Year (1980)
– LPGA Tour Player of the Year (1990)
– Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year (1990)
– Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year (1980)
– Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year (1990)
– Seagrams Seven Crowns of Sport Award for women’s golf (1981)
– Inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame (1995)