Peter Alliss: Legendary BBC wave commentator dies at 89
Alliss started his commentary career while still a player
Peter Alliss, the legendary BBC golf commentator, has died at the age of 89.
Alliss, known as & # 39; the voice of golf & # 39; for fans around the world, has been synonymous with the BBC's golf coverage for over half a century.
After first appearing on the BBC in 1961, he became head golf commentator in 1978 after retiring as a player.
With great sadness we announce the death of golf and broadcasting legend Peter Alliss, "said Alliss's family.
In a statement they described his death as "unexpected but peaceful".
They added, "Peter was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his family asked for privacy during this difficult time."
Alliss provided the soundtrack to many of golf's most memorable moments, with November & # 39; s Masters being the last tournament he played.
"Peter was the voice of golf. He was an absolute master of his craft with a unique ability to capture a moment with a magical expression that no one else could match, & # 39; & # 39; said Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.
As a player, Alliss won 31 tournaments and he and his father Percy were the first father-son duo to compete in the Ryder Cup, when it was a match between Great Britain and the United States.
In 2012 he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in the Lifetime Achievement category.
& # 39; One of the greatest broadcasters of his generation & # 39; – Alliss as a commentator
After retiring from golf – at least in professional Sense – Alliss moved into the commentary booth, where his descriptive and dead-end style soundtracked BBC coverage of major golf events.
"His inimitable tone, humor and command of the microphone will be sorely missed. His often legendary comments will be long remembered," said the BBC.
Alliss' first experience behind the microphone occurred during the 1961 Open Championship, remarkably he challenged Arnold in the same tournament. Palmer on the track.
In between attempting to stop the American's great victory, with Alliss ultimately leaving seven shots at Palmer behind, the Englishman also cut his teeth by criticizing his fellow professionals. ]
In 1978 he was appointed chief wave commentator for the BBC following the death of his co-host and close friend Henry Longhurst.
"I am there as an old player, a lover of the game and a good story weaver", is how Alliss once described his television role.
To the majority of British golf enthusiasts – and many more around the world – his calming voice became synonymous with the audio accompaniment of the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods who won the sport's biggest awards.
Just a few weeks ago, Alliss described the moment when the world's number one Dustin Johnson won the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
“After six decades behind the microphone, he was just a month ago at the incredible age of 89 doing what he loved – commentary for the BBC on Masters Golf,” said Slater.
"He transcends his sport as one of the largest broadcasters of its generation. "
Peter Alliss & # 39; broadcasting career spanned nearly 60 years
& # 39; He's gone go-go & # 39; – Alliss & # 39; 39, most memorable quotes
"What the hell are you doing? He's go-go. Trying to hit the ball out of there is pure madness. "- his iconic description of Frenchman Jean van de Velde throwing a three-shot lead on the last hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie. " It's like showing up to hear Pavarotti sing and behind it find out that he has laryngitis. "- I'm thinking of Tiger Woods who shot a third lap 81 at the 2002 Open. " Looks a bit like Jurassic Park in there. "- describes the rough on the 14th at Royal St George & # 39; s, where the Open 2003 took place. " One of the good things about rain in Scotland is that most of it ends up in whiskey. "- at bad weather conditions during a tournament in Scotland.
More to follow.
