Meaghan Francella worked hard to become a first-time LPGA winner. Here’s how she did it, and why her keys can help you (Part 1)

(Photography by Leonard Kamsler)

I have been fortunate to work with Meaghan Francella for more than 13 years now, since my days as a teaching professional at Westchester Country Club. You already know she is one tough competitor – that was clear when she beat Annika Sorenstam in a sudden­ death playoff for her first LPGA Tour win back in March. But what you don’t see is how hard she works on her game. We spend hours at a time working on the keys that will help her succeed on the modern LPGA Tour, where the very best players can bomb the ball 275 yards, putt lights-out, and hit a variety of wedge shots.

Meaghan, who grew up in  Port Chester, N.Y., playing a bunch of different sports, is by nature a feel player. We don’t get into too much mechanical jargon during our sessions, and that’s why these keys can help you too. I see many amateurs get so bogged down with positions that they forget golf’s true point: to hit the ball! So take a look at what Meaghan has been working on, and employ the keys in your own practice sessions. I bet you’ll elevate your game, just as Meaghan has.
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Nip Your Wedges

Taking a full swing with a wedge is nice, but that’s not always what the shot calls for. Meaghan has become an expert at intermediate wedge play, learning how to control her distance and hit lower, more piercing shots. To do it, grip down an inch or so and play the ball just in back of center (inset, far left), which sets your hands ahead. Make a three-quarter-length backswing, and  follow through to the  same level (below). To hit it even lower, abbreviate your follow-through to waist height.

Why it works for you
The average player can really benefit from hit­ting partial shots. You have to practice and devote some time to it, but you will emerge with more shots in your bag and an ability to knock the ball close when the hole is cut on the back shelf of a green, as Meaghan shows here (left).

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Francella says:
“I don’t intentionally lay up to 50 yards, but sometimes you’re left with situations like that. It helps to be able to control the shot.”