Peter Alliss reaches new Masters Milestone as BBC's 'Voice of Golf' celebrates 50 years commentating at Augusta
Peter Alliss Reaches New Masters Milestone
He may divide opinion when it comes to his style of commentary and often-controversial comments, but watching the Masters on the BBC will not be the same when he decides to walk away. Whatever your opinion, to reach 50 years commentating at Augusta is one very special achievement; it’s an extraordinary milestone. We won’t hear of his like again.
Related: US Masters Leaderboard
As a player, Alliss struggled at Augusta. He shot 76-84 on his debut in 1966 and 12 months later an 80 followed by a 77 – missing the cut on both occasions. By the time he was 38 he’d decided enough was enough and called it a day.
And so began a career in the commentary booth. From 1968, he has attended every Masters and he became the BBC’s lead commentator in 1978. Along the way there have been some controversial moments, probably too many to revisit.
Just last year, as Sergio Garcia celebrated winning the Masters and with his then fiancé in shot, Alliss could be heard saying she had “the shortest skirt on the campus,” which led to the BBC releasing a short statement outlining he wasn’t aware at the time his microphone was live, describing the comment as “lighthearted”.
Bill Elliott on the legend Peter Alliss
GM's editor-at-large pays homage to friend and legendary…
Peter Alliss Embroiled In Masters Controversy
The BBC commentator has faced criticism for comments…
Reaction: BBC loses Open TV to Sky
We asked for your thoughts on the matter
At the 2015 Open Championship he landed himself in hot water on two occasions; once for his comments about Paul Dunne liking older women after the Irishman was seen hugging his Mum, and again when he said, “She is probably thinking – ‘if this goes in I get a new kitchen sink,'” with reference to Kim Barclay watching on as her husband, Zack Johnson, putted for the Claret Jug.

Hazel Irvine and Peter Alliss working for the BBC during the Ricoh Women’s British Open [Getty Images]