Lincicome claimed the LPGA Tour's season-opening Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic to venture back into the winner’s circle when she beat Solheim Cup teammate Lexi Thompson with birdie on the first hole of a playoff.

For the 31-year-old it was her first win since the ANA Inspiration in April 2015 and her seventh LPGA Tour title.

"It was pretty incredible. Just the leaderboard all week has been amazing," she said. "Obviously, a lot of Americans up at the top. Obviously, friends of mine, so to come down to the final stretch, I played with Lexi (Saturday), and it was an awesome day."

Lincicome, a two-time major winner, is expected to jump nearly 15 spots to No.34 in the world rankings.

Playing a group ahead of Thompson, Lincicome birdied the par-5 18th after making bogies at the 14th and 17th holes en route to signing for a five under 68 and a 26 under 266 total – one shot shy of the Tour record (in relation to par) set by Annika Sorenstam at Moon Valley CC in Arizona in 2001. It also equalled 26 under set by Karrie Webb at the Australian Ladies Masters in 1999.

Thompson played the 18th as strong wind and rain blew through the Ocean Club. She was still able to hole a three-footer for her third straight par and closing 70.

"I was thinking that I was very lucky," Lincicome said. "It was blowing almost 35 miles an hour in, too, and when it started pouring, I was already done, so I was feeling blessed that I … didn't have to compete with the elements. So, for Lexi to make par on 18 with those conditions is pretty awesome."

FINAL LEADERBOARD

In the playoff on 18, Lincicome hit her hybrid second shot from 227 yards to 20 feet and tapped in for birdie.

"I just put the hybrid in actually a couple of weeks ago, and it's been one of my new favorite clubs. So I hit it perfect, right where we were aiming and ended up with the same putt that I had the first go-round, which is pretty crazy, and knew the line better and just, obviously, super, super nervous."

Thompson went through the green in two and, after Lincicome holed out, missed a 15-foot equalling birdie.

“This feels so great, because it’s been such a long time since I won. I was wondering when I would win again,” said Lincicome, who had 44 starts since her last win.

The LPGA Tour now takes a two-week hiatus before the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open to be played at Royal Adelaide Golf Club from February 16 to 19.