Zoe Fitz-Costa first picked up a golf club at a driving range when her Mum took her to a birthday party when she was around nine years old. Whilst giving it a go with some kids clubs, someone noted she had a natural ability and that’s where her love of golf started. A random falling into golf, as her Mum didn’t and still doesn’t play but as a sporty child Zoe enjoyed playing a sport that no one else seemed to be doing.
Zoe pursued her passion further by studying Applied Golf Management Studies at Birmingham University, which proved invaluable for networking. Although she wasn’t particularly drawn to the PGA or coaching, she was certain she wanted a career in the golf industry from a business perspective. After graduating, Zoe joined the Access Series on the Ladies European Tour (LET), where she found a welcoming and supportive environment. After spending some time in other roles within the golf industry, Zoe returned but his time to the LET as Tournament Business Manager. Zoe notes that the LET felt like a family then, and it still does – only now, it’s a much larger one!
Tell us about your time working in other roles within the golf industry.
I worked on the men’s tour, in their European Tour Destinations team and gained insight into the men’s tour operations but also profitable areas outside of the tournaments.
I then worked as a Partnership Manager at Your Golf Travel, which I really enjoyed and got to work with some great brands within golf and experience travelling and attending some of the most popular golf events including The Masters. Covid then really affected the travel industry, and it was good to be able to take some time to decide what was next, which is when the LET reached out. It felt like coming home, especially seeing many familiar faces amongst players and staff on the tour.
What does your role as Tournament Business Manager entail?
I look after all of our tournament contracts, which involves managing everything from the initial interest in a tournament to having a contract in place, staging the event, and ensuring it meets LET standards. I also support promoters in elevating their tournaments, whether it’s player services, economic aspects, or involving our commercial partners.
Additionally, I work on the tournament schedule, currently focusing on 2025 season, where we are always aiming to increase prize funds, broadcast and playing opportunities for the LET athletes.
Can you give us an idea of what a day in your life looks like?
It varies a lot… I sit between different departments, like operations and commercial, and handle any challenges that arise when on site and act as a point of contact for partners. When not at tournaments, I work on the schedule, where contracting tournaments is a key element. No day is the same, which keeps the job exciting and not mundane at all.
What is the most challenging part of your role?
Managing relationships across all tournaments can be quite challenging. Everyone wants the best tournament and to have the best week on the schedule, so it’s a balancing act to get the best outcomes for the tour and for our valuable tournament promoter, as well as keeping in mind sustainable aspects and reducing travel costs for players
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Ticking each tournament off as they come along and ensuring they run smoothly without major hiccups is very rewarding. I especially enjoy seeing new events from start to finish, and witnessing everything come together and a winner being crowned at the end of the week.
Are you involved in every single event throughout the season?
Yes, I am involved in every event in some capacity, though I don’t necessarily travel to all of them. Working really closely with LET CEO Alex Armas, has provided great insight into managing relationships across our tournaments.
Do you have a particular favourite tournament?
I probably shouldn’t pick favourites. This year I really enjoyed the Investec South African Women’s Open. It was my first time in Cape Town, and I love travelling to new places. I also enjoy the KPMG Women’s Irish Open as they have great crowds who come and support, which creates a fun atmosphere, I have worked on that tournament since its reintroduction to the LET in 2022. National Opens are really important for players and can be key for growing participation and developing elite amateurs.
Have you seen a shift in the business support for women’s professional golf in recent years?
Yes, there’s definitely more interest in hosting tournaments in different countries and more businesses looking to get involved with the LET. This could be partly due to the Olympic influence and the potential government funding that it creates in some nations. However, overall there’s a growing interest in women’s sports, and people are starting to realise the need for women’s tournaments alongside men’s tournaments.
How has being part of The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Development programme impacted you and the LET?
The programme was a confidence booster for me. I already felt well-connected in the industry, but the course helped me be more forward-thinking and understand the challenges others face. It was beneficial to share ideas and learn from different perspectives.
What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed between your first stint at the LET and now?
The number of tournaments and the prize funds have grown significantly. There’s also a broader representation of countries among the players each week on tour. It’s been great to see players who started on the LET Access Series now making a living and showcasing their talents on the LET.
What do you think the future holds for women’s professional golf and the LET?
I think the future is really positive. There is a growing interest and investment in women’s sports, including golf. I believe the LET will continue to grow, offering more opportunities globally for players and those wanting to work in the golf industry.
