In 28 years, she never finished out of the top 90 on the money list. And in 2003, at age 46, she won the Canadian Women's Open to become the oldest winner in U.S. LPGA history.
``She's one of the greatest players ever in women's golf,'' Rankin said. ``She doesn't love the recognition, but she should get it.''
The Women's British Open ended on Aug. 5, and everyone remembers Ochoa finally winning that elusive major.
Virtually unnoticed and unspoken was the retirement of a Hall of Famer, even though Daniel can't bring herself to use that word.
Part of the problem is that golfers never really retire. Daniel still hits balls five times a week, and she will be seen plenty on tour over the next two years as the U.S. captain for the 2009 Solheim Cup.
But she is retired from playing a full schedule, and that made it a quiet departure, just the way she likes it.
``I think she has watched in sports, and in golf, the multiple retirements. And she didn't want to put herself in a position to do that,'' Rankin said. ``She makes every effort to be straightforward in what she does, and she has a private side. And that was a private, poignant moment for her.''
The moment was poignant in many ways.
Having left her birdie putt 5 feet short, it was one last chance to hear the infamous sarcasm of Inkster, who said loud enough for Daniel to hear, ``If she misses this one, I'm not staying around to say 'Hi' to her.'' Daniel made the par.
Now that she is retired from the tour, Daniel also would like to get involved in golf course design, but she's finding it tough to get her foot in the door. She has been on the phone with architects, asking if she can watch or help, and making herself available for either.
She isn't boasting of her credentials as a player, but she is letting people know she is willing to get her hands dirty and go to work.
Nothing new there. That's all she's ever done in golf.
