Mike Dean caddies for Lydia Hall at the Ricoh Womens British Open, and says it’s more stressful than being a referee
Veteran official often spends his time off in the summer carrying the bag at Royal Lytham and St Annes ahead of the new season
PREMIER LEAGUE referee Mike Dean turned his hand to caddying as he gears up for the new season.
The veteran official, who has over 450 top flight games under his belt, took to the course to carry the bag of Welsh golfer Lydia Hall at the Ricoh British Open.
Dean, 50, is used to having pressure on his shoulders with the spotlight firmly on him in the Premier League.
But he admitted that being a caddie can be even more nerve-racking at times.
When asked about the stresses on the course, he told The Times: “Especially when it goes wrong – although we did have a good day (on Friday).”
Dean is no stranger to the course himself with a five handicap and caddies on the women’s tour every summer.
He helped Hall to a level par round on the second day of the tournament after she carded a three-under on the Thursday.
Hall said: “Mike knows his stuff. He’s very calm and level-headed and also helps me read some putts.
“I’m a big Swansea and Ospreys rugby fan so we have sport in common and get on really well.”
Dean has a reputation of hogging the limelight when it comes to officiating big matches.
Earlier this year Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier labelled him “arrogant” and raged: “Is there a worse ref?”
His rant followed a decision not to send off a blatant stamp on Saints’ Shane Long by Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso.