Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson pay tributes to Peter Alliss

Golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson have added their voices to the chorus of tributes to Peter Alliss following his sudden death at the weekend aged 89.
Jack Nicklaus and Peter Alliss share a laugh. Picture: Jack NicklausJack Nicklaus and Peter Alliss share a laugh. Picture: Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus and Peter Alliss share a laugh. Picture: Jack Nicklaus

Eighteen-time major winner Nicklaus described the BBC’s ‘Voice of Golf’ as one of golf’s “true friends” and a “dear friend to (wife) Barbara and me for probably over 60 years”.

He added: “Peter and I played many matches against each other. Peter was a valued member of our Memorial Tournament Captains Club for 22 years.

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“Just as his voice was distinctive to golf audiences worldwide, Peter’s was a respected voice within the Captains Club.

“Peter had a great wit and was a wonderful storyteller. We were blessed to have him at the Memorial in 2019, when he was honored with the Memorial Golf Journalism Award.

“It was the first time since 1998 that Peter’s schedule allowed him to be at Muirfield Village in person. It was very special to see him again.

"A really good man and friend. Barbara and I send our most heartfelt thoughts, prayers and condolences to Jackie, his wife of 51 years, his family, and his countless friends.”

Five-time Open champion Watson also paid a warm tribute to Alliss, writing on Twitter: “You made our game richer and funnier Peter. We thank you.”

Nick Faldo, who had followed Alliss into the commentary booth in the US, added: “He had that gift of being able to wax lyrical at great length about anything, could probably talk about the colour of his front door for five minutes and somehow work the Archbishop of Canterbury into the story!” he said on Twitter.

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