Brittany Lincicome wasn’t the only one making a debut this week.
Thursday, Mel Reid joined BBC Radio as an on-course commentator at the Open Championship at Carnoustie. The three-time European Solheim Cup team member kicked-off her commentating career by covering two of the premiere groups of the first round, featuring Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods.
“First time I have seen Tiger play up close,” Reid told LPGA.com. “In my opinion, [he’s] one of the best athletes to ever live.”
Covering the PGA Tour is also a learning opportunity for Reid, who could pick up some last-minute insights ahead of the Ricoh Women’s British Open in two weeks at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
“It’s always nice to be around watching how the guys do things out on the course and in preparation,” Reid said.
This doesn’t mean the 2017 rookie is calling it quits anytime soon, but the experience could be a first step towards a career after golf.
“This was a great opportunity because broadcasting is always something I’ve been interested in and something I would love to get involved in after I’ve finished playing.”
This week, Reid is working alongside two other voices familiar to the LPGA in Golf Channel’s Cara Robinson and Karen Stupples, who are also contributing to the BBC's coverage.