The Ladies European Tour (LET) has announced the appointment of Tom Phillips as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a pivotal moment for the association as it continues on a trajectory of significant growth and increasing investment. Phillips succeeds Alexandra Armas, who departed in October after a successful five-year tenure that revitalized the tour.
A Legacy of Growth and Strategic Partnerships
Armas is credited with orchestrating a remarkable turnaround for the LET. When she assumed the role, the tour faced challenges with a limited schedule of just 15 events, only eight of which were held in Europe. Under her leadership, the LET secured a landmark strategic partnership with the LPGA [1], providing access to crucial resources and expertise. This collaboration proved instrumental in attracting major commercial partners, most notably the Saudi Arabian public Investment Fund (PIF).
Tom Phillips: A Proven Leader in Golf Management
Phillips brings a wealth of experience to the LET, joining from the European Tour Group, where he served as Director for the Middle east as 2019.In this role, he was instrumental in securing the DP World title sponsorship for the tour and fostering the development of new tournaments in the Middle East region. His track record demonstrates a clear ability to attract investment and expand the reach of professional golf.
Phillips’s career in golf began in 1999,serving as the Chief Executive of Nick Faldo’s Faldo Series of junior events.He continued to work with Faldo in 2007 as the Director of Asia Pacific for Faldo Design, the golf course design business. He later transitioned to administrative roles, serving as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association in 2013, and then as Director of Business Development for Mission Hills Golf resort chain’s China branch in 2026, before joining the DP World Tour.
Looking Ahead: A Record-Breaking 2026 Season
The appointment of Phillips coincides with what promises to be a landmark 2026 season for the LET. The tour is boasting a record prize fund exceeding €39 million ($45.8 million) distributed across 30 events in 21 countries spanning five continents. The season will kick off with the PIF Saudi Ladies International in Riyadh on February 11, and will feature new events in Mauritius and the return of the Women’s Australian Open. The prestigious Solheim Cup, a biennial competition between Team Europe and Team USA, will also be a key highlight.
The Growing Influence of the PIF
The significant financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is playing a transformative role in the LET’s growth. The PIF has secured title sponsorship for a revamped global series of five lucrative women’s events,increasing the total prize fund to $15 million – a $2 million increase from 2025. the PIF Global Series includes the Saudi Ladies International,the Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek (co-sanctioned with the LPGA Tour),the PIF London championship,the Aramco Korea Championship,and the Aramco China Championship.
Increased Visibility and Broadcast Coverage
The LET is also prioritizing increased visibility for its athletes and events. A minimum of 25 LET events will be televised in 2026, with coverage ranging from highlights packages to full live world feeds, ensuring broader exposure for the tour and its players.
LET ltd board chair Marta Figueras Dotti expressed confidence in Phillips’s ability to lead the tour forward,citing his “commercial expertise,collaborative approach and passion for the game.” Liz Moore,chair of the board of directors of the LET’s joint venture partnership with the LPGA Tour,added that Phillips brings a “global perspective” and a “clear understanding of how to grow professional sport,” emphasizing the appointment’s alignment with the tour’s long-term vision.
Phillips will officially assume his role on April 6, returning to the UK where the LET is based. His appointment signals a new era for the Ladies European Tour, one poised for continued growth, increased investment, and enhanced global recognition.
