The Loop
How She Hit That: Brittany Lincicome's eagle-producing 5-iron
It was familiar territory for Brittany Lincicome.
The 29-year-old was 190 yards from the flag on Mission Hills' par-5 18th, needing an eagle to tie Stacy Lewis for the lead at the ANA Inspiration--the first major of the season. Back in 2009, Lincicome hit her hybrid from 210 yards to four feet to set up an eagle that would give her a one-shot win over Cristie Kerr and Kristy McPherson. The result was almost identical this time. Lincicome left it 10 feet and made the putt, then outlasted Stacy Lewis in three playoff holes to earn her sixth career victory.
"You can see why she's one of the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour," says top New York teacher Michael Jacobs, who is based at the X Golf School in Manorville. "She has a very dynamic, athletic move. There's no pausing, and her lower body is beginning the downswing while the club is still finishing the backswing."
Because she moves her body so well, Lincicome's club moves through the impact area and exits in ideal position, says Jacobs. She isn't working against her body to produce speed. "The down-the-line view is a great vantage point to see what she's doing right," says Jacobs. "When you look at your own swing, you want to see the club coming up in the follow-through and out of your left shoulder. If you aren't turning well, the exit will be much more vertical, and toward the target."