A love for golf, without being a player, blossomed for Felicity Kinge after she left her role in banking to join The Professional Golfers’ Association (The PGA) in 2007 as an office administrator. Over time, she transitioned to a tournament administrator role, where she stayed until 2022. It was at that time she was approached by the LET to take on her current role of Senior Tournament Administrator, she started in March 2023 and hasn’t looked back.
We find out more about her day-to-day role, the similarities to her role at The PGA, what she loves most about her job and her thoughts on the current state of women’s professional golf.
What does a typical day look like for you, especially during tournament weeks?
On a regular office day, I handle emails and prepare as much as possible for upcoming tournaments. During tournament weeks, our day starts early by checking the setup at the venue, ensuring the Players Lounge, starters boxes, and information boards are ready. We also manage player arrivals, tee times and any questions or queries they might have. The bulk of the day is spent recording scores as players come off the course. Afterward, we update and send out information about the next day’s tee times, pin positions, and results.
Is your role at the LET similar to the one that you had at The PGA?
They are similar in that managing a tournament from start to finish involves comparable steps. However, at The PGA, tournaments were typically one or two-day events, mostly in the south of the UK, with a few overseas. In contrast, LET tournaments are longer, often lasting a week, and the preparation is more detailed and in-depth, especially regarding TV times, player logistics, and other factors.
How many LET tournaments do you cover in a season?
My role is split into three parts: administration, tournament administration, and scoring. This year, I am the tournament administrator for eight events and handle scoring for five events.
Part of your role is the scoring equipment and its transportation between events, can you explain what this entails?
For live scoring, we use PDA units, which are essentially mobile devices given to volunteers. Depending on the event’s size and TV coverage, we might need 40 to 50 units. We schedule and manage the transportation and distribution of these devices to ensure accurate and timely scoring updates. Also showing volunteers how to use the units.
Can you tell us about another part of your role which sees you provide training for new team members in the tournament administration team?
Training is very hands-on. We’ve developed standard operating procedures to help new members. We look for candidates with good knowledge of Microsoft Office, strong organizational skills, and good customer service abilities. New team members usually shadow experienced administrators at events, and we provide support during their initial tournaments to help them get up to speed.
When it comes to player services, what are the essential services that the LET provide?
Regular week essentials include a Players Lounge with a menu reviewed by our nutritionist, medical services with a doctor onsite or on call throughout the week, paramedics, and physio and massage services. We’ve also partnered with brands like Eleiko, Whoop, and Nikon to provide additional resources to our players, like rangefinders.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love interacting with the players, hearing their experiences, and following their journeys through highs and lows. The travel is also a significant perk, even though it’s mostly between the golf course and the hotel. The variety in my job keeps it exciting, with different challenges and experiences each week. You’ll be at home one week so it’s quite nice to get some downtime and then you’re straight back into the circus the next, I love the fact it’s so varied.
Do you have a favourite event or country you enjoy visiting?
Each tournament is unique, with aspects I love and some I wish could be improved. However, I’m especially looking forward to my first Solheim Cup this year and I’ll also be working at the Olympics in Paris, which is a significant highlight for me.
I was working for the LET when the Solhiem Cup was in Spain last year but due to my schedule, I wasn’t actually on the ground. I heard so many amazing stories. I’ve been lucky enough to work at Ryder Cups, whilst at The PGA, so adding Solheim will kind of be the last tick in the box for me.
What is your opinion on the current state of women’s professional golf and your hopes for its future?
Women’s golf is coming on leaps and bounds, especially in the last few years. The LET has grown significantly with support from the LPGA and with big events like the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Tampa, Korea, London, Asia and Riyadh. These events in particular attract exceptionally strong fields and give the opportunity for LET players to play with stars like Nelly Korda. Having Nelly playing in London last year was just an unbelievable experience. The way she promotes the game is more than you could ever ask for and what she’s doing for women’s golf now is incredible.
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