Brittany Lincicome retires after 20 Years on the LPGA Tour

After two decades on the LPGA Tour, Brittany Lincicome has announced her retirement, leaving behind an illustrious career that highlights her competitive spirit and dedication to advancing women's golf. Lincicome made her farewell announcement officially at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, after sharing a hearfelt post on her social media, a fitting place for this significant moment as she prepares to step away from the sport she’s helped shape.

Reflecting on her career

Lincicome, known for her powerful drives and affable personality, entered the LPGA Tour at just 19, quickly making her mark in a competitive field. She won her first major championship in 2009 at the Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship), followed by a second major victory at the same event in 2015. These highlights represent only a fraction of what she has achieved over 20 years, a time filled with memorable victories, including six Solheim Cup appearances as a player, and, perhaps most significantly, a sense of family within the LPGA.

At the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, Lincicome recounted her career’s unforgettable moments. She fondly recalled the impact of having her father as her caddie for her first LPGA win, an emotional milestone that remains among her most cherished memories. “Everyone always says, which is your favorite? But they’re all different, awesome moments,” she shared, expressing the breadth of her journey.

The decision to retire: A new chapter beckons

Lincicome’s decision to retire became clear after she experienced a newfound joy away from the course. When her daughter began kindergarten, Lincicome found herself savouring time as a “helicopter mom,” volunteering in the classroom. She described the experience as a pivotal moment: “I enjoyed that more than the thought of going to hit golf balls,” she admitted. “That was my like, okay, it’s time.”

Her retirement from full-time play does not signal an end to her involvement in golf. Lincicome remains passionate about introducing young girls to the game, largely through her role as an ambassador for First Tee and LPGA USGA Girls Golf. As she reflects on her legacy, her mission has always been to “leave it better than when I came.” She takes pride in seeing the game grow, particularly in the increasing participation of girls and women.

A lasting impact on women’s golf

Throughout her career, Lincicome has been a steadfast advocate for the women’s game. She encouraged the LPGA to pursue increased exposure, prize money, and sponsorship opportunities, lending her voice to elevate the profile of women’s golf. Reflecting on the progress over the past 20 years, she noted, “There’s more girls playing the game of golf than ever, which is really cool.” Her advocacy has contributed to a tour with larger purses and a schedule filled with prominent venues, including recent tournaments at iconic courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach.

In her final full-time tournament, Lincicome had her family by her side. Her husband will be her caddie (for the first time), and her daughters, along with her parents, have joined her on the course, sharing in the excitement of a personal farewell. “It’s going to be really cool,” she said. “There’s going to be tears. I don’t know if it’s the first hole, the last hole, in between.”

A vision for the future

While she hasn’t yet mapped out the specifics, Lincicome envisions a future where she remains connected to the game, perhaps through charity fundraisers or increased involvement in junior golf programs. For now, her immediate focus is on family. She imagines herself one day walking the course alongside her daughters, fostering in them the same love for golf that she has carried throughout her life.

Lincicome leaves the LPGA with no regrets, grateful for a career that allowed her to grow both on and off the course. “The adrenaline of being in contention on Sunday, that feeling, it’s irreplaceable,” she said, acknowledging the unique highs of competition. But for now, Lincicome is ready to embrace her next role, focusing on her family and contributing to the game in new ways.

Find out more about this week's tournament The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican here.