The familiar, comforting tones that have accompanied countless major golf tournaments will fall silent this weekend as broadcasting legend Peter Alliss completes his final BBC commentary.
After an extraordinary six-decade career that made him the voice of golf for generations of British sports fans, the 89-year-old will bow out during this weekend's coverage, bringing down the curtain on one of the most celebrated careers in sports broadcasting history.
The End of an Era
BBC Sport has officially confirmed that this weekend's broadcast will mark Alliss's final appearance in the commentary box. The decision comes as the corporation continues to reduce its live golf coverage, having lost broadcasting rights for several major tournaments in recent years.
A BBC spokesperson paid tribute to the veteran commentator, stating: "We'd like to thank Peter for his many years of exemplary work and wonderful commentary. He will always be a much-loved member of the BBC Sport family."
A Career Unlike Any Other
Alliss's broadcasting journey began in 1961, and over the following sixty years he became synonymous with golf's biggest moments. His distinctive style – blending expert analysis with poetic observations and gentle humour – made him a national treasure.
Key moments from his legendary career include:
- Commentating on countless Open Championships
- Covering Ryder Cup dramas across multiple decades
- His famous commentary during the 1977 Open at Turnberry
- Numerous BBC Sports Personality of the Year broadcasts
From Player to Commentator
Before becoming the voice of golf, Alliss enjoyed a successful playing career, winning 23 professional tournaments between 1954 and 1969 and representing Great Britain in eight Ryder Cups. This firsthand experience gave his commentary an authority that resonated with both casual viewers and golf purists alike.
His transition from player to broadcaster proved seamless, and he quickly established himself as the definitive voice of the sport on British television.
What Comes Next for BBC Golf?
With Alliss's departure and the BBC's reduced golf portfolio, questions remain about the future of golf coverage on the broadcaster. The corporation now holds rights to only two golf events annually – The Open Championship and the Masters Tournament.
This reduction in live coverage, combined with Alliss's retirement, marks a significant shift in how British audiences will experience golf broadcasting moving forward.
As the final words are spoken this weekend, generations of golf fans will bid farewell to a commentator whose voice became as much a part of the sport as the players he described so eloquently for sixty remarkable years.
