Billie-Jo Smith Explained

Billie-Jo Smith
Birth Place:Sutton-in-Ashfield, England
College:University of Derby
Yearpro:2022
Tour:Ladies European Tour (joined 2022)
Extour:LET Access Series
Prowins:1
Award1:LET Access Series
Players Player of the Year
Year1:2024

Billie-Jo Smith (born c. 1998) is an English professional golfer and Ladies European Tour player. She was LET Access Series Players Player of the Year in 2024.

Early life and amateur career

Smith was born and raised in Sutton-in-Ashfield, a market town in Nottinghamshire, and was introduced to golf by her grandmother when she was four. She didn't follow the usual collegiate pathway and instead was educated at Tournament Golf College (TGC) before earning a master's degree at the University of Derby, where she is also pursuing a PhD.

In 2021, Smith was runner-up at the Welsh Women's Open Stroke Play Championship, behind Lottie Woad.[1]

Professional career

Smith turned professional in 2022 and joined the Ladies European Tour (LET) after earning status at Q-School. Her best finish in her rookie season was a tie for 27th at the Jabra Ladies Open in France.[2]

She sat out most of the 2023 season due to injury, and on her return won a Rose Ladies Series event in early 2024.[3]

In 2024, she joined the LET Access Series where she finished third in the Order of Merit behind Kajsa Arwefjäll and Helen Briem, to graduate to the LET.[4]

Smith lost the final three events of the season in three consecutive playoffs.[5] She was voted the inaugural Players Player of the Year.[6]

Professional wins (1)

Other wins (1)

Playoff record

LET Access Series playoff record (0–3)

No.YearTournamentOpponent(s)Result
12024Hauts de France – Pas de Calais Golf Open Anaïs Maggetti
Kelsey Bennett
Bennett won with birdie on first extra hole
22024Lavaux Ladies Open Mimi RhodesLost to birdie on third extra hole
32024Calatayud Ladies Open Ellie GowerLost to birdie on first extra hole

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Billie-Jo Smith . World Amateur Golf Ranking . 23 October 2024.
  2. Web site: Billie-Jo Smith Bio. Ladies European Tour . 23 October 2024.
  3. Web site: Ballard . Emma . Billie-Jo Smith: Triumphs, challenges, and a bright future on the LET . Women & Golf . 23 October 2024 . 21 October 2024.
  4. Web site: Get to Know LETAS Graduate Billie-Jo Smith . LET Access Series . 23 October 2024.
  5. News: Sara Byrne slips back to finish sixth at Calatayud Ladies Open . 23 October 2024 . The Irish TImes . 5 October 2024.
  6. Web site: Rhodes Secures Playoff Victory at the Lavaux Ladies Open . LET Access Series . 23 October 2024.