Back when Beth Daniel was the most dominant player on the LPGA Tour, when Annika Sorenstam was still young and throwing parking lot tantrums, I covered a tour stop in the Lansing, Michigan area for a few years. The LPGA events were actually a huge deal in Lansing, which despite being the state capital had no pro sports (this was pre minor league Lugnuts). In one of these tournaments, Beth Daniel ran away with it to such an extent that she was the only story.

Which caused my editors great consternation because everyone knew in those days that Daniel was impossible to deal with. She treated reporters like mosquitoes, gave monosyllabic or sarcastic answers, caused LPGA officials sleepless nights. At least, that was her reputation.

With me, Daniel could not have been more forthcoming. She told great stories, stayed for as long as I wanted to ask questions even as hovering PR types and trainers asked if she didn't have somewhere to go. And Daniel was like that every year at the tournament, dominant win or close loss. Meanwhile, Annika Sorenstam sprinted for the parking lot, often yelling at someone along the way.

So if anyone can appreciate the idea of Beth Daniel as a good example for young players, it's me. Still with all that said, I'm not buying this argument that Beth Daniel helped push the Solheim Cup to victory by being a Buddha Loser. National Golf Editor Tim McDonald is desperate to believe this because he wants to think that Old Geezers can make a significant contribution to sports. I'd like to believe it just because Beth Daniel seemed to recognize I was just trying to get a good story when I was a young reporter. (I must admit she did blow off some Jay Flemma hanger-on types at those Lansing tournaments, but if that gives you a rep, more athletes should have one).

But the truth is athletes, especially young, great athletes, are self centered and self confident. Paula Creamer did not get where she is today by doubting her abilities. She didn't need Beth Daniel telling her stories about the past to dominate the Solheim Cup. Like Old Man Mac's savvy readers, I will have to point out that Creamer and the other Solheim youngsters who actually won matches sounded like they were just being nice to the Oldsters in their comments.

Beth Daniel had little to do with his Solheim win. Just look at her record. Of course, Old Man Mac will probably tell you the Broncos would have killed the Dolphins last Sunday if only they'd kept Jerry Rice around to give inspiration as he futilely tried to gain separation from young, no-name cornerbacks.

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