There is nothing like home advantage. For Brittany Lincicome, who was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and now lives in Gulfport, the Pelican Women’s Championship presented by Konika Minolta is a home game like no other, especially now that fans are welcome at the Pelican Golf Club. The exclusive Belleair club is as challenging as it is picturesque, and Lincicome says a strong short game will be key.
“I can’t wait for the people in the area, my family, my friends to come out and see this beautiful golf course,” she said. “Not many people have had the opportunity to come here. It is a real gem. It is a pleasure for us players to play here. The greens run so fast. It’s like walking on the cart lane. I don’t know how we’re going to get the ball to a standstill, but it’s going to be super fun, super challenging. It might not look too intimidating from the tee shot, but these greens are crazy. It will definitely be the one who can chip and putt this week is sure to win. “
The past month and changes have been unrivaled slow for the 36-year-old considering she decided to take some time off after the ShopRite LPGA Classic. But she was busy with another event that made her stand on the other side of the golf ball. The Lefty Tournament has become an integral part of Lincicome’s schedule and is an outing that she and her professional colleagues look forward to every year.
“We only do this once a year and each time we have so much fun that we say, ‘Why don’t we do this more often?’ Me, Brittany Altomare, Kristy McPherson joined us this year so it’s growing, which is great, ”said Lincicome. “I shot nine shots better than last year. I shot 50 instead of 59. I can say that in my career I shot 59. It’s entertaining. We think we’re athletes and we can play golf and you turn it around and it’s like, ‘Holy cow, this is how amateurs feel’. It’s a lot harder than it looks, but it’s super fun to try something different. But we definitely have to do that more than once a year. “
However, ahead of the final regular season event in 2021, Lincicome is in full swing. She plays on a course that has major championship vibes and requires the most skillful feel for the ball around the greens. She knows the scoring will be a premium, and with an audience present in her hometown, she wants to give them something to cheer on.
“This golf course could be a big problem,” she said. “It’s long enough. There is even more length that you could add if you wanted to. I hit 7-wood against 18 yesterday so there is definitely some meat on some holes. And the greens roll like a 12, it’s like golf at the US Open. It’s not much from the tee to the green. You don’t have to worry about the tee-offs, but it’s definitely the shot into the green. You can three-put almost any green out there if you’re not in the right section or level of greens. You have to score here. It will be your iron strokes into the green and then it must be your putting. The golf course itself could be a US Open or a major. It’s so good with what we’ve been playing all year. “
But will she attempt any left-handed shots in the competition?
“I hope not. I hope it won’t happen. If I have to, I have it.”