A collection of the world’s best female golfers came to Galloway, NJ, this weekend for the 38th ShopRite LPGA Classic, and along with the talent they showcase on the Bay course at the Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, the players bring a range of ages and experiences.
Meaghan Francella, 44, of Philadelphia, is among 144 professionals waving the $2 million purse. The former LPGA Tournament Winner has spent the past four years as an LPGA teaching professional at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Founded in 1854, the club is one of the oldest in the country and hosted the PGA’s Truist Championship last year.
The historic grounds have attracted generations of golfers. Francella, who coaches everyone from junior golfers to seniors, says taking part helps improve not only her game but also her coaching.
“You are among the best players in the world and you have to learn something while you are here,” Francella said. “I just watch what they do and try to take it to the field to see if it will help any of my students.”
Francella is invited based on her status as a tournament winner and starts at 7:20 a.m. Friday and is ready to represent Philadelphia. She has practiced for weeks, although the pressure to perform has diminished over the past decade.
» READ MORE: Former tour director Meaghan Francella returns to action for the ShopRite LPGA Classic (starting in 2022)
Francella turned pro in 2004 after playing college golf at the University of North Carolina. The highlight of her golf career came in 2007, when she defeated a field that included then world number 1 Annika Sorenstam to win the Mastercard Classic. Although she retired from full-time professional golf in 2014, Francella remains competitive, with an unwavering love for the game.
“I still know I have a lot of good golf left in me,” Francella said. “I’ve put in a lot of work in the last few weeks and I feel really good, my body feels good, so I’m looking forward to playing.”
Her ambition, in her post-professional career, is reflected in her students.
Isabella DiLisio, 28, one of Francella’s first interns and now a close friend, has a similar drive and journey. As a member of The Notre Dame golf team, DiLisio fell in love with the game after injuries and pressure took its toll. However, Francella brought healthy competition back into her life.
“Once I was able to learn to play for fun and just go out and enjoy it, I started to love it again because I did it because I wanted to,” said DiLisio, who won two PIAA Class 3A titles at Mount St. Joseph Academy in Flourtown.
» READ MORE: Philadelphia fans and Cricket Club shine as Sepp Straka wins the Truist Championship
Now, DiLisio, alongside Francella, is competing to achieve personal goals, playing in two amateur tournaments in Pennsylvania this weekend alone.
“A goal of mine is to continue to compete at a high level, as if winning the USA Women’s Mid-Am would be an absolute dream,” DiLisio said. “[Francella] It definitely pushes me and wants me to be the best golfer I can be to get there.”
Last year’s champion Jennifer Kuchosaid the sport’s age range is beneficial even within the professional ranks, especially for the growing number of novices.
“To be able to talk to them and mentor them and let them ask questions, it’s kind of cool to be in that spotlight, instead of where I was as a newcomer doing the same thing with girls like Ally Ewing and Emma Talley — girls who aren’t here anymore,” Kupcho said.
» READ MORE: LPGA ShopRite players stayed at the historic Seaview, saved thousands of dollars, and even better benefits are coming
Francella believes the sense of community is particularly evident at the Cricket Club, with many members coming out to support her this weekend.
“I think golf is the one sport that all ages can play together,” she said. “I played with two members who have always been members of the club, and they are in their 80s, and both of their daughters are students of mine, and they are in their 50s.
“I’ve been here a long time and I’m getting to the age where I’m a year removed from senior LPGA stuff, but it’s nice to see the younger generation here.”
