Reid was born in Bulwell, Nottingham, England, and died in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States.

In 1905 he became the professional at Banstead Downs Golf Club in Sutton, London, England, for roughly nine years and was a successful tournament player.

Reid – who was never short on confidence – was a fine competitive golfer despite being small of stature, and he beat his mentor, Vardon, on several occasions.

On 7 August 1913 Reid set sail from Liverpool aboard the RMS Celtic[2] and visited America with Vardon and Ted Ray where they played in a number of tournaments including the famous 1913 U.S. Open in which he tied for 16th.

[3] His best finish, a tie for fourth, came in the 1916 U.S. Open held at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1921 Reid obtained U.S. citizenship and in December of that year attended the founding meeting of the Philadelphia Section PGA and was a member of the organising committee.

Reid retired to Florida in the early 1950s and consistently improved his game in both social and competitive rounds.