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 2)

(Photography by Leonard Kamsler)

Continued from blog entry – “Get Tour Tough (Part 1)”
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Eyes Up at Impact

Meaghan used to hang back a bit through impact, and that is a distance-killer. So we worked on getting her to release her head and upper torso earlier, which puts her in better sequence with her arms and body. As you can see, her eyes are looking well ahead as the ball rockets
off the club (right), a la Annika Sorenstam and David Duval. Practice this with the post-up drill: Tee up a ball and set your driver ahead of it (1, below). Then swing slowly up to a full follow-through, feeling the forward momentum (2 and 3, below). Re-create that in your swing, and you’ll never hang back.

Why it works for you
Many amateurs spray the ball off the
tee and lose yardage because they are actually falling back, rather than moving forward, at impact. You simply can’t fall back if you release your head as Meaghan does.

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Francella says:
“I’ve probably picked up 25 yards in the last year. Some of that is conditioning and equipment,
but my improved release is a big factor in it too.”
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