Legendary Golf Commentator Peter Alliss Passes Away – Golf World Reacts
Legendary golf commentator Peter Alliss has passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday morning.
“Peter’s death was unexpected but peaceful,” said his family in a statement to the BBC.
The cause of death is unknown at the moment.
Alliss in Broadcasting
Alliss made his broadcasting debut in 1961 at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
He became the BBC’s main commentator in 1978, while also calling tournaments in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
He also wrote books, and co-designed over 50 courses, including The Belfry.
He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
See his Speech Below
Alliss’ the Player
Prior to his legendary broadcasting career, Alliss played the game professionally and at a high level.
He won 23 tournaments worldwide before calling it quits in 1974.
Alliss was awarded the Vardon Trophy – for the leading player on the British PGA – in 1964 and 1966.
He also played for Britain and Ireland in his first Ryder Cup in 1953, and then played every match from 1957-69.
Golf World Reacts
R&A
All of us at The R&A and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club are deeply saddened to hear that Peter Alliss has passed away. He was a wonderful servant to golf over many years and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time,
European Tour
The Tour is saddened to hear of the passing of eight-time Ryder Cup player, 31-time winner and the ‘Voice of Golf’ Peter Alliss. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Ryder Cup Europe
Everyone at Ryder Cup Europe is saddened to hear of the passing of eight-time Ryder Cup player Peter Alliss. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Phil Mickelson
Peter Alliss sadly just passed away and I wanted to say how appreciative I am for the joy and entertainment he brought to so many people. His HofF speech is the best I’ve heard and I say “runker baker” every time I’m in Europe (he messed up once and I can’t forget it)
Tim Brando
Such a shame even with a full life of 89 years that we would lose the UK’s “Voice of Golf” Peter Alliss in a year when The Open Championship was lost due to Covid. I met him briefly quite by chance one year across the pond calling tennis. RIP
Frank Nobilo
Most will miss the voice, I’ll miss the man. One of things he always told me in sports broadcasting is you have to “put the spaces in the right places.” It won’t be a space he leaves but a void. R.I.P
Cara Banks
Peter Alliss was the voice of golf I grew up listening to, a true broadcasting legend who I was delighted to meet at his home in England for a feature interview on Golfing World & later work with The Open for the BBC. His passing is truly the end of an era, he’ll be missed.
I listened to this great golfer and broadcaster for several years. He was a joy to listen to. When he passed my heart sank like many others. R.I.P. in heaven. Don’t let those wings interfear with your swing.