Peter Alliss, a former PGA Captain who was known as the Voice of Golf, earned that title thanks to his powers of observation and perfect timing when describing the game to millions of TV viewers.
So, it’s perhaps appropriate that the publication of Peter Alliss – Reflections On A Life Well Lived - should occur when golf widows or widowers need a helping hand when it comes to buying a Christmas present for the golfer in their lives.
By contrast, Alliss’s sudden and unexpected passing in December 2020 was anything but well-timed, especially in relation to the book he was writing in conjunction with Bill Elliott, Golf Monthly magazine’s editor at large.
The plan was to publish it in time for the 150th Open at St Andrews the following summer but fate and Covid, which forced the tournament to be postponed for a year, intervened.
Happily, rather than abandon the project, Elliott and Alliss’s beloved and devoted wife, Jackie, have worked together to bring it to fruition.
In addition to helping with research, documents and photographs, Jackie has contributed a final chapter which, both moving, amusing, not least life with a foul-mouthed parrot, provides a revealing snapshot of her husband’s qualities and their relationship.
His untimely passing also prompted a rethink regarding the book’s contents and resulted in several of his friends and high-profile golfing figures paying tribute.
One such, Bruce Critchley, a fellow broadcaster and friend, writes: “With a microphone, Peter was first and foremost an entertainer – a sporting Terry Wogan with golf as his canvas.
“Each day’s play was an opportunity to amuse, educate and wander mentally and verbally wherever his thoughts took him.”
Which is exactly what the last of Alliss’s 20-plus books achieves. Subjects covered include Jean Van de Velde’s meltdown at Carnoustie, an illuminating insight into Augusta and the Masters, the Ryder Cup, fraternising and friendships with the stars, plus thoughts on Brexit, the BBC and Love Island. In short, it’s a delight from start to finish.
*Business Opportunity: Anyone wishing to sell copies of Peter Alliss: Reflections on a Life Well Lived over the Christmas period can buy copies at £12.50 per copy (RRP £25) on sale or return. Contact the publisher at [email protected] or phone 07803 155475 to place an order - no immediate payment is required and point of sale material is available.
