Editor Emma Ballard catches up with LET professional Billie-Jo Smith, who reflects on her 2024 season, coming back from injury to claim a coveted LET card for next year
English professional golfer Billie-Jo Smith recently secured her Ladies European Tour (LET) card for 2025, marking a significant comeback after two years which have been affected by injury setbacks. Reflecting on her journey, Smith shares insights from her challenging seasons, her recent successes, and her strategic partnership with The QHotels Collection, which has been instrumental in her development and recovery.
The road to recovery
Smith’s journey has been anything but smooth. In early 2023, she underwent a minor operation on her calf, followed by a shoulder injury in June that sidelined her for the remainder of the season. Despite these setbacks, she remained resolute, focusing on recovery with her physiotherapist to ensure a full return.
Reflecting on the frustration of being so close yet unable to compete, Smith notes, "I’d not been great at the start of the year, so I hadn’t been re-ranked on the LET. I wasn’t getting into many events anyway. After the injury, it was just about recovering, seeing my physio, and getting back on track." Her resilience led her to a strong performance at the LET’s Qualifying School (Q School) in Morocco, but narrowly missing out on a top 50 place meant that she would have to split her season across both the LET and LET Access Series. Not wanting to do that for a third year in a row, Smith decided to focus solely on the LET Access Series in 2024.
Breakthroughs on the LET Access Series
Smith's decision to dedicate the 2024 season to the LET Access Series proved pivotal. After the first event of the season, where she finished in a tie for sixth at the Terre Blanche Ladies Open, Smith headed back to England and the Rose Ladies Series.
After being a strong supporter of the Rose Ladies Series since it launched in 2020, she clinched her first professional win at Formby Ladies, a moment that fuelled her confidence and also provided her with critical financial support early in the season
"Winning one of the Rose Ladies Series events was a big help – it allowed me to fund my season. It took a lot of pressure off me financially, and it’s something all the girls here in England appreciate," Smith reflects.
The win set the tone for a season full of momentum, as she consistently placed in the top ten across four out of five consecutive tour weeks starting in June.
While facing multiple breaks throughout the season, Smith was often anxious about maintaining her performance, especially as she faced a gruelling eight-week stretch of tournaments across the summer to get to the end of the season. "I was anxious, I guess, with the fact playing that many weeks in a row," she admitted.
Reflecting on the demanding eight-week stretch on the LET Access Series, Smith admits she wasn’t sure she’d make it through. “I kind of planned for all eight weeks,” she says, “and told myself if I needed a week off, my body would let me know.” With the help of her physio, Smith stayed focused on recovery, following targeted routines that included massages and stretching. Notably, having physios on-site at a couple of events was a first for the tour, providing invaluable support during a challenging season.
During the seventh week in France, Smith faced an unexpected shoulder injury that brought flashbacks to a similar setback the previous year. “I just woke up one day in pain,” she recalls. “It was nerve-wracking – I didn’t think I’d be able to play that week, let alone finish the season.” Thanks to intensive treatment from an on-site physio, Smith was able to compete, even finishing second despite limited range of motion. “I had to club up a couple of times with my approach shots,” she explains, but her resilience paid off, allowing her to continue through the season.
It was all worth it in the end finishing third in the LET Access Series Order of Merit and securing her LET card for 2025. “I’m really happy to get to this point, albeit without a win” Smith reflects, expressing satisfaction with her accomplishments this season.
Playing eight weeks, she learned valuable lessons about her endurance. "It’s something I won’t repeat again. Now, I know what my limits are and can plan a more balanced season on the LET."
Off-Season goals and the road ahead
With her LET card secured, Smith looks forward to a well-deserved break before ramping up for the 2025 season. She plans to train intensively in the gym, a practice she prioritises during the off-season, and hone her skills with the help of advanced tools, such as her TrackMan simulator. "The TrackMan has been a game-changer for my approach play, which has always been a weaker area of my game," she explains.
Smith is also planning to escape the winter chill by training in warmer climates – a welcome change given the harsh English winters she often faces.
A partnership with The QHotels Collection
Smith’s ongoing partnership with The QHotels Collection has been crucial to her success, providing her with top-notch facilities at Belton Woods, a QHotel property near her home. "QHotels have supported me since I turned pro, which has been amazing. The facilities at Belton Woods are a big part of my training. From two well-maintained courses to a gym and spa, I have everything I need to stay at the top of my game," Smith says.
Having a reliable partner like The QHotels Collection has also eased the financial strain of competing on tour. The hotel chain’s support with accommodations near tournament sites has allowed her to focus on her game, without the burden of extra travel expenses. "It’s a privilege to have their support, especially when I’m travelling across the country. It makes a big difference financially and logistically."
The LET 2025 season opens a new chapter for Smith as she aims to build on her successes and face new challenges. If the past few years have taught her anything it’s the importance of perseverance, as well as recognising and managing your body’s limits in the pursuit of success in professional golf.
You can follow Billie-Jo via her Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
