Join us for an exciting kick-off to the 2020 Masters Tournament with PGA tour and near Masters champion, Mike Reid. Earning the name “Radar Reid” on the PGA tour for his unbelievable accuracy off the tee and approach shot, Mr. Reid will share exciting experiences from his tenured professional golf career, “five things people don’t know about Augusta,” and other tips to look for while watching the Masters tournament next weekend.  

 About the Speaker

Mike Reid

Mike Reid is a professional golfer who has won two PGA Tour events and two senior majors on the PGA Tour Champions. He finished in the top-10 70 times on the PGA tour.

In 1989, Reid came close to winning two major championships, the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship, leading both of them during closing holes of the final round. At the PGA Championship, Reid lost to Payne Stewart, giving him his first major win. On the Champions Tour, Reid managed to win two senior majors; the 2005 Senior PGA Championship and the 2009 Tradition.

In 1976, Reid graduated from Brigham Young University. During his collegiate golf career, Reid was selected for All-American honors from 1973–1976. He became close friends with PGA Tour player Pat McGowan. Reid turned professional in late 1976, obtaining his PGA Tour card at the first attempt. He joined the PGA Tour in 1977.

In 1978, Reid lost a playoff to Mac McLendon in the Pensacola Open. In 1980, Reid finished in the top-10 thirteen times on the PGA Tour. Only Tom Watson had more top-10 finishes that year. Reid led the PGA Tour for driving accuracy in 1980 and was given the nickname "Radar" for his outstanding driving accuracy. In 1987, Reid won his first PGA Tour title at the Seko Tucson Open by four strokes. 

In 1989, Reid led the Masters Tournament with four holes to play but hit an approach shot into the pond at the par-5 15th hole to make a double-bogey and finished the tournament in 6th place. He also lost the lead in that year's PGA Championship on the back nine during the final round at Kemper Lakes Golf Club, bogeying the 16th hole and having a double-bogey 5 on the par-3 17th. Needing a birdie on the 18th hole to tie Payne Stewart, Reid missed a seven-foot birdie putt which would have forced a playoff with Stewart. After his final round, Jack Nicklaus approached Reid and said: "I just want to say that I've never felt so bad for anyone in my life. You played too well not to win."

In 2004, Reid became eligible to play the Champions Tour and in 2005 he claimed his first senior title at the Senior PGA Championship, which is one of the senior majors. Reid won the tournament despite being three shots down with one hole to play. He forced himself into a three-way playoff with a long eagle putt on the 18th hole. After Jerry Pate missed a 3-foot par putt on the 18th to win the tournament, Reid then birdied the first extra playoff hole to win the title. Reid later said: "I feel bad for Jerry. I know how he feels because I felt that way. Fate takes a hand, and I can't explain it, but I'm grateful." 

Reid did not win again on the Champions Tour until 2009 at the JELD-WEN Tradition, another major championship, in a playoff over John Cook. Reid was one shot behind Cook on the 18th tee of the final round but ended up sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to win the title. Reid's victory at The Tradition tournament meant that he joined a prestigious small group of players, including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, whose first two wins on the Champions Tour were in major championships.

He is married to his wife, Randolyn, and has six children. He spends his free time visiting historic sites and museums, snow skiing, hiking, fishing, and enjoying family activities.

This event is offered free of charge and is fully sponsored by the Yale Club of Washington, DC.  Not a member of the Yale Club of Washington, DC? Please join today.