Peter Alliss, the BBC’s voice of golf, has received the highest honour for his lifelong contribution and commitment to the game and to professional golf. The well-known commentator, architect and celebrated professional provided the highlight to the PGA’s Annual General Meeting when he was presented with Life Membership to the Association.
Appropriately, the AGM was held at the PGA’s headquarters at The De Vere Belfry, one of the 50 courses Peter has been responsible for designing over the last 30 years.
He followed in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Percy Alliss by turning professional and becoming a member of the PGA at the age of 16 years.
Most widely known for his own golfing achievements and his entertaining but always informative golf commentary, Peter is one of the most respected industry figures. He took part in the Ryder Cup a total of eight times, represented England in the World Cup ten times and, amongst other things, won the England International Canada Cup, the PGA Vardon trophy and Tooting Bec Cup.
Following his retirement as a professional golfer in 1974, Peter became recognised around the world for his television commentaries for the BBC, ABC in America and the Australian and Canadian Broadcasting Corporations. In Britain between 1974 and 1988, he hosted a 140 pro celebrity golf programmes for the BBC and a successful series entitled ‘Around with Alliss’.
As if that wasn’t enough, Peter, now 72 years old, can currently be seen in the popular television series ‘A Golfer’s Travels’, which is being shown worldwide, featuring hints, tips and analysis alongside interviews in exotic locations with celebrity guests.
Peter’s has also penned a total of twenty books, the latest being ‘Golf Heroes’, and he writes regularly for Golf International and Golf World magazines.
Peter was nominated for Life Membership by Derek Nash, who describes him as “a firm supporter of the club professional and not afraid to speak his mind.” Back in 1987, Peter and Derek worked closely together as Captain and Chairman of the PGA respectively. This was Peter’s second term in the office – he had previously held the position in 1962. Derek praised Peter for lending his support during some quite difficult times at the Association.
Talking about what the life membership meant to him, Peter expressed his surprise and delight at being accorded the honour. “When I heard the news from the PGA I was totally taken aback but at the same time overjoyed. Having had the privilege of being Captain of the PGA on two separate occasions, the honour of Life Membership is something extra special,” he said.
Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, said Peter’s inclusion as a Life Member was not a difficult choice. “Peter’s contribution to golf, which literally spans a lifetime, has been immense and this seemed the most appropriate way to salute his ongoing commitment to the game,” he explained. “His varied contributions and exemplary record as a member of the organisation are truly extraordinary and the fact that he has been nominated by a close colleague is a sign of recognition by his peers.”
Peter joins an à©lite group of eight other PGA life members – Tony Jacklin CBE, Geoffrey Cotton, Keith Hockey, Derek Nash, John Stirling, Bernard Hunt MBE, John Panton MBE and John Jacobs OBE.
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