A former professional player, Peter Alliss started his broadcasting duties at The Open championship in 1961 and became the lead man for the BBC’s golf coverage in 1978. Known as 'the voice of golf' to fans around the world, he became synonymous with British golf coverage for more than half a century.
Having left school at 14, Alliss followed in the footsteps of his father, Percy, and became a successful golfer in his own right. He won more than 30 professional tournaments at home and abroad and finished in the top-ten at The Open championship five times. He represented GB&I eight times in the Ryder Cup between 1953 and 1969. Long before that final appearance, he had already combined playing with microphone duties.
Alliss soon became known not only for his forensically detailed knowledge of his sport, but also his witty moments. His live depiction of Jean Van de Velde’s epic collapse at the 72nd hole of the 1999 Open is the stuff of legend.
His celebrity status also enabled him to run a business designing more than 50 courses with his business partner Dave Thomas, including The Belfry, the home of the PGA, and the Landsdowne course at Blairgowrie. He also wrote many books.
Peter Alliss was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2012 and he delivered his final commentary, on The Masters, last month from his home in Surrey. He had been due to retire after next year’s Ryder Cup, completing what would have been a remarkable six decades in the commentary booth.
In a statement released on Sunday, Alliss’ family explained his death was "unexpected but peaceful".
Tim Davie, director general of the BBC, led the tributes, saying:
"No one told the story of golf quite like Peter Alliss. He captured golf’s drama with insight, wisdom and humanity. He was a legendary commentator who brought the game to life for millions of us."
John Cleese added:
"I always thought that I could cope with the ending of the world if only Peter was commentating on it."
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