Golf - Reid on Solheim Cup return: 'nicer than giving out water bottles'

FILE PHOTO: Aug 4, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Mel Reid (GBR) tees off on the first hole during the first round of the women's individual stroke play of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Mel Reid was gutted after not being selected to compete for Europe at the 2019 Solheim Cup but said on Thursday that her role as vice captain of that team has given her more to offer as she makes her playing return in the biennial event this week.

The 33-year-old Englishwoman, who picked up her maiden LPGA title last year, relished her role as an assistant at Gleneagles but will much prefer being inside the ropes at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio where play against Team USA begins on Saturday.