UK Golf Federation news

A field of 146 players from 31 different countries took part in the final qualifying event for the upcoming season over several rounds at the iconic La Manga Club resort in Murcia, south-east Spain. Smith successfully navigated the first four days of competition – which saw players alternate between the North and South courses – and made the cut ahead of the final round on the South Course. After five days of fierce competition, the LET rookie finished in a tie for 42nd place on two-over par – a finish which earned her a category 16 membership for next year’s LET season. She is now eligible for even more LET tour events in the coming season as she looks to cement herself as a regular fixture on tour, continuing to test herself against some of the LET’s highest performing players. The feat caps an impressive and rapid rise through the professional golfing ranks by the 23-year-old who made her LET debut in Australia earlier this year. Following victory in the Northern Ireland Open in May, The QHotels Collection moved quickly to finalise a partnership with the golfer, who grew up close to Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Lincolnshire. Smith said: "It was a bit of a rollercoaster but the relief after holing the final putt in the last round was overwhelming. I’m pleased that the amount of work I have put into my game over the last couple of months in preparation has paid off. "One of the biggest factors in my performance is the fact that I have been able to maintain practice through not only summer but also the winter months on such a good quality and well-kept golf club like Belton Woods. "Not only have the courses been in great condition throughout the whole year, the support The QHotels Collection has given through allowing me to use all of the facilities available has been amazing. "I’m looking forward to what 2023 brings. It is looking like it is going to be a busy schedule but for now I’m going to be taking a bit of time off over Christmas to recharge ready to continue the hard work for the start of the season. I look forward to continuing to represent The QHotels Collection as I progress.” Keith Pickard, golf, health club and spa director for The QHotels Collection, said: "We must congratulate Billie-Jo Smith on this incredible achievement. She has been a great ambassador for The QHotels Collection and we could not be happier for her.” The QHotels Collection operates seven top golf resorts in England and Scotland: Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Hexham, Northumberland; Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, in Norwich; Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Leeds; Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, in Shropshire; Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort, in Brigg; Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Lincolnshire and DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort. ENDS Press release written and distributed by Azalea.