"He was the Hula champion of Santander for many years."
As we enter one of the biggest dates on the golfing calendar this week, plenty will be reflecting on The Open's of past. It will be the first time the BBC coverage will be without the late, great, Peter Alliss.
Alliss had a voice that few sporting commentators could emulate. His low-driving tones paired up naturally with his story telling ability, almost as if he was talking to himself at times.
When you think of Formula One, you hear the late Graeme Murray Walker in your head. When you think of GAA, you might hear Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. When you think of golf, Peter Alliss is still that voice.
Super Sky Point to Peter Alliss. My all-time favorite golf announcer bar none. Great sense of the moment, terrific wit. #RIP pic.twitter.com/gkQKs3RiF1
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) December 14, 2020
Very few commentators have the ability to surpass the boundaries of the network they work for. Alliss had such a distinctive voice and impact, especially in The Open, that he created his very own niche in commentating.
Prior to his commentating days, the 'voice of golf' was a professional on the golfing circuit. Alliss won 20 tournaments in his playing days, including five top-10 finishes in The Open.
He first aired on BBC television for The Open in 1961 while he was still playing professionally. In 1978, he became the BBC's lead golfing commentator.
Today would have been Peter Alliss' 90th birthday.
Rest in peace, Peter ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wzyTuIorZ4— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) February 28, 2021
There are plenty of stories that have emerged over his legendary broadcasting career. Giving Sean Connery golf lessons before the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger is one.
He hosted a series called 'Around with Alliss' on the BBC in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where he played rounds of golf with celebrity guests on various courses.
Alliss had many connections with courses in Ireland, both from a playing perspective and as a golf course designer. He held the position of Club President of Castlemartyr Links Golf Club in Cork.
In 1993, he turned down an OBE from The Queen for his services to golf. He would go on to receive many awards and lifetime achievements later in to his broadcasting career.
What moments will he be most fondly remembered for?
Back in 1999, Alliss famously was taken back by Jean van de Velde's approach to the 18th hole at The Open in Carnoustie. The Frenchman needed a double-bogey minimum to win the tournament.
Van de Velde hit into the water and even got into it himself to find a lie. Alliss' commentary was infamous as he meticulously broke down every swing and wrong decision made by de Velde, as he triple-bogeyed the hole.
The Open camera crew are often found capturing events and going-ons off the course, and when a Dad tried for minutes to get a good photo of his son, Alliss was there to break it down and criticise the whole operation.
His play-by-play coverage of Miguel Ángel Jiménez warming up at The Open in 2011 is another treasure. Alliss makes all the 'ooh' and 'aah' sounds of Jiménez stretching, almost unnecessarily but in his own unique way.
And who could forget when he described Julius Cesar as 'Julie Baby', apparently what he was known as back in the day. After coming to Britain, Alliss said he "got fed up with the weather and went home."
Peter Alliss and his ageless commentary be treasured for many years to come, but particularly this week as his absence at The Open will be felt to great effect.
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