| Born in 1931 in Berlin, the name of Peter Alliss would appear on many people's list of the top 50 golfers since the war. Son of Percy Alliss, one of the foremost British professionals between the wars, Peter lost no time in following in his father's footsteps, turning pro in 1946 at the age of 15 and playing in his first Open a year later. Although he never succeeded in winning any of the major championships, his victory tally in European tournaments was impressive, no less than 20 wins between 1954 and 1969, including the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese Opens in the space of three weeks in 1958.
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. Peter Alliss' retirement from international golf at the early age of 38 ("I began to twitch on the short putts," he said) has led to a successful triple career as a broadcaster, writer and golf course design consultant. Peter joined the BBC television commentary team in 1961 and has become known to millions of viewers in America, Canada and Australia as well as the UK, where he enjoyed a commentating partnership with the late Henry Longhurst, and on programmes such as the popular "Pro-Celebrity" series and "Around with Alliss". His cheerful and informative presentation has helped to convert many non-golfers to the sport.
His writing credits include the series of Bedside Golf Books, Peter Alliss - An Autobiography, The Who's Who of Golf and a novel published in 1983 called The Duke. Among the golf courses he has designed and constructed in partnership with David Thomas is the Belfry at Sutton Coldfield, national headquarters of the PGA and a Ryder Cup venue.
Among Peter's hobbies are yoga, meditation and keeping fit. | 
