Both of these incredible LPGA competitors deserve their own feature story. They both have been inducted into the LPGA HALL OF FAME, and both continue to hoist trophies (Inkster just won at the Corning Classic in May 2003). In comparing the two, Daniel (46 years old) came on tour in 1979, Inkster (43 years old) in 1980. Beth has amassed 33 victories on tour to Juli's 29 victories. Both have had dry spells in their careers, during which frustrating years passed by without a win. Juli started a family with husband Brian, having two daughters in the early 1990's and Beth fought a battle with mononucleosis in 1988, being inactive for over three months, finally breaking through in August of 1989 for her first win in over four years winning the 1989 Greater Washington Open. That victory propelled her to three more wins in 1989 and seven wins in 1990. In the meantime, Juli was giving birth to Hayley, her first child on February 4, 1990, her best finish of 18 events that year being a fifth place finish. Juli spent over four lean years without a win after the birth of her second child Corey, before her turnaround season in 1997 when she won the Samsung World Championship for her 16^th career victory. During her recent resurgence and rededication to her career she has won 13 times!

The point I wish to make here is that in tournament golf on the big stage, human beings suffer pain, sickness, childbirth, family changes, and multiple other distractions. These two phenomenal competitors have overcome their own obstacles, in continuing to dominate Women's Golf at the highest level. As I compose this column, Juli is 5^th and Beth 11^th on the 2003 money list. Both will represent the United States in September at the Solheim Cup, and I will be most proud to have them on our squad. I am certain that tears will stream down their faces during opening ceremonies in Sweden. These women have both provided thrills for golf fans worldwide for over two decades. How fortunate I am to have caddied for both of these ladies. I have three wins (one major) with Juli during the years 1989-1991, and my best finish with Beth in 1989 was a five-hole playoff loss to Dottie Pepper. One of the qualities these women both possess is the hatred of losing. They both absolutely hate to finish second. Their fortitude on the course is truly a blessing to watch from inside the ropes. Their loyalty to the golf fans in their careers is not lacking either.

 Worth Blackwelder
As I close this feature on the year of the veteran, I must give credit to some other professional golfers who deserve recognition of having an outstanding 2003 first half of the season report card. I wish to congratulate LPGA player Rosie Jones, PGA players Jim Furyk, Jay Haas, and local boy Kenny Perry for the outstanding success they are enjoying thus far this season. On the PGA Champions Tour, though they are all "'veterans", I feel as if Tom Watson, Bruce Lietzke, and new winner on tour, Craig Stadler deserve a nod of approval for their recent play.