The unexpected death took place last weekend of well known golf broadcaster Peter Allis who was an honorary overseas life member of Lahinch golf club.
Between 1954 and 1969, Peter won 31 professional tournaments including three British PGA championships and he was twice winner of the Vardon Trophy. In September 1958, he won the national championships of Italy, Spain, and Portugal in three consecutive weeks.
His first appearance in the Ryder Cup was in 1953, and with the single exception of 1955, he represented Great Britain and Ireland in the event until 1969 and is one of only two father-and-son duos to have represented their country at this level.
In 1961, Peter worked his first tournament as a broadcaster for the BBC, The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where he also played. He retired as a playing professional in 1969 and became BBC’s lead commentator in 1978.
Affectionately known as ‘the Voice of Golf’ by his many fans around the world, Peter transcended his sport as one of the greatest broadcasters of his generation. Peter was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, in the Lifetime Achievement category, for his services to golf and just last month he commentated for the final time on the BBC’s coverage of the 2020 Masters Tournament from his home.
Peter and his wife Jackie were made Honorary Overseas Life Members of Lahinch Golf Club in 1990. With the support and assistance of their son Simon (European Tour’s Tournament Director for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open), Peter and Jackie travelled to Lahinch last year to spend an evening with members.
Woodstock:
With the re-opening of golf courses last week, the Woodstock seniors section held their first outing for some time.
The format was a team of three scramble and the winners were Rory Kennedy, Liam McInerney and Tom Malone with the runners up spot filled by Kieran Patton, John O’Donovan and John O’Sullivan.