Legendary commentator Peter Aliss, who became known as the ‘voice of golf’ after a successful playing career, has died at 89.
Alliss won more than 20 tournaments during his playing career and played for eight Ryder Cup teams, passing away at his home in Surrey on Saturday.
Legendary golf commentator Alliss has died at 89
European Tour Executive Director Keith Pelley said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Alliss, truly one of the greats of golf.
“Peter left an indelible mark on everything he did in our game, but especially as a player and broadcaster, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Our thoughts are with his wife Jackie and the Alliss family. “
Born on February 28, 1931 in Berlin, where her father Percy worked as a club professional, Alliss followed in her father’s footsteps and left school at the age of 14 to work for him at Ferndown Golf Club in Dorset, before become a professional. years later.
After his career was largely on hold for two years of National Service in the RAF from 1949 to 1951, Alliss soon began to make a name for himself and finished ninth at the 1953 Open, one of the top five in the event. .
Alliss was a professional golfer between 1947 and 1975
His move to broadcasting came after the BBC’s Ray Lakeland overheard him speaking to a friend on a flight back from a tournament in Ireland in 1960.
Alliss combined comment periods at the following year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with finishing eighth behind Arnold Palmer, which helped raise his profile to such an extent that he was chosen to give Sean Connery golf lessons before the actor played. James Bond in the 1964 film Golden Finger. ‘
A statement issued by the BBC on behalf of the Alliss family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of golf and television legend Peter Alliss.
“Peter’s death was unexpected but peaceful. Peter was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his family asks for privacy at this difficult time. “
Peter Alliss 1931-2020
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