The Ladies European Tour’s incoming CEO talks to Chris Bertram about his first official event, the Saudi relationship, LPGA partnership — and why he thinks the timing of this role is no coincidence
Words: Chris Bertram | Photography: Jamie Thom
Mauritius — Tom Phillips arrived at his first official Ladies European Tour event with a 15 handicap, 25 years of golf industry experience and, by his own account, not enough hours in the day. Constance Belle Mare Plage, on the edge of the Indian Ocean, made for a generous introduction to the job.
Phillips succeeded Alexandra Armas — who led the tour from 2020 to 2025 — and takes charge at what he describes as the LET’s healthiest period in more than a decade. In a wide-ranging interview with Women & Golf at the MCB Ladies Classic, he covered his background, his priorities and his view of the tour’s commercial future.
From Faldo to the LET
Phillips’ route to the role runs through some of professional golf’s more interesting corners. He joined Nick Faldo’s operation in 1999, working on the Faldo Series before moving to Hong Kong in 2005 — originally for 18 months, ultimately for 14 years. He ran the Hong Kong Golf Association, worked with Mission Hills in southern China, and in 2019 moved to Dubai to join what was then the European Tour, running the Middle East region for the DP World Tour.
“I still have a very good relationship with [Faldo] and saw him a couple of weeks ago at Augusta,” Phillips said, “when I reminded him he sent me over to Hong Kong ‘for 18 months and see if we can do something with it — well, 21 years later I’m coming home.'”
The LET role, he says, felt like a natural fit. He knew his predecessor well — Armas worked with him on the Faldo Series 25 years ago — and had been watching the tour’s momentum build.
“When you look at the momentum the LET has, the momentum behind women’s golf, and the momentum behind golf more broadly, it was too good an opportunity to say no.”
Listening before leading
Phillips is a month into the role, and is making no promises about specific targets yet. His priority at this stage is visibility — standing on the tee to greet every player in the final round in Mauritius was a deliberate statement of intent.
“We’re a members organisation, and it’s their tour,” he said. “I’m just here to help steer the ship in the right direction and give them opportunities as much as I can.”
What has surprised him most, he says, is the culture on tour. “The willingness to all work together and embrace the opportunities, and potentially embrace change has been great. A wonderful ‘family’ feeling on tour that is really shining through.”
Saudi, the LPGA and the road ahead
Two relationships dominate the commercial picture Phillips has inherited: the joint venture with the LPGA, and the partnership with Golf Saudi.
On the LPGA tie-up, he is clear about its importance: “That unity in the women’s game makes us stronger together.” He reports into a joint venture board made up of representatives from both tours and has already spent time with the LPGA team, including Craig Kessler.
On Golf Saudi, he is equally direct about addressing what he knows will be asked. “The partnership with Golf Saudi has been transformational for our tour,” he said, acknowledging speculation about LIV but drawing a firm distinction. “That is a public investment fund and LIV is one part of the Saudi ecosystem. We’re partners with Golf Saudi and they continue to be really supportive — they remain fully committed to it.”
Looking ahead, Phillips sees opportunity for expansion — particularly in the Middle East, where he still has strong networks. “A very common comment was ‘when are we going to bring the LET back to the Middle East?'” he said. He is measured about timing given current regional uncertainty but leaves no doubt conversations are already happening.
For now, the priority is simple: more events, more prize money, more opportunities for members. “There’s so much opportunity,” he said. “It’s just finding the time.”
Smilla Soenderby won the MCB Ladies Classic at Belle Mare Plage on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Tournament report here.
