Veteran golf commentator, and former player, Peter Alliss has died at the age of 89.
Known as ‘The Voice of Golf’ thanks to his work with the BBC, Alliss has worked in golf coverage since the 1960s when he was still a professional player.
He took on the role of lead golf commentator for the BBC in 1978 and was expected to retire after next year’s Ryder Cup, which would have seen him complete 60 years in broadcasting.
As a player, he managed five top 10 finishes at the Open and played on eight Ryder Cup teams, winning once.
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Alliss was taken into hospital in September but the Telegraph reports that his death has come of a shock to family and friends, with a statement describing the death as ‘unexpected but peaceful.’
The statement from the Alliss family added: ‘It is with great sadness we announce the passing of golfing and broadcast legend Peter Alliss ‘Peter was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his family ask for privacy at this difficult time.’
Director of BBC Sport, Barbara Slater, said: ‘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 turn of phrase that no one else could match,” ‘After six decades behind the microphone, he was just a month ago at the incredible age of 89 doing what he loved – commentating for the BBC on the Masters Golf,” said Slater.
‘He transcended his sport as one of the greatest broadcasters of his generation.’
