GOLF BOOK CLUB:My Life By Peter Alliss

THE ART of golf commentary goes along many lines. There’s the irreverent, as in Gary McCord’s “bikini wax” jibe about the greens at Augusta. There’s David Feherty’s playful as a kitten wisecracking, and Nick Faldo’s in-house (attempted) jokes.

And, then, there’s Peter Alliss.

He can regale us with tales of yore that you figure have nothing to do with what’s going on; and at times he can be distracted into a sort of wildlife discourse more in line with David Attenborough.

In reading his book, there’s little doubt Alliss has a lot of time for himself. But, then, why not? It’s an interesting story that isn’t afraid to relate his own failings at times; and while the impression may be of a man who has everything, travelling around the world to commentate at only the best golf tournaments, there’s also the realisation that money can’t buy you everything and that he has endured his own downtimes, mostly in his personal life and especially with the death of one of his daughters.

It’s safe to say that, even after all these years, Alliss’s silky smooth delivery has more fans than critics. In fairness, those who were critical of him, particularly in his early years of commentary, get a greater mention in this book which attempts to cover his life from birth (even going back to the night he was conceived!) through his golfing career which was highlighted by his Ryder Cup endeavours – where he formed a formidable partnership with none other than Christy O’Connor Snr – and on to his career as one of the game’s greatest ever commentators.

The greatest? That’s not a view shared by everyone, as Alliss lists in a number of letters sent by critics of his style. Reproduced in the book, they include one from a gentleman – “an old member of Muirfield” – who wrote, “I resent it when my pleasure is marred – is ruined – by the inane drivel that comes non-stop from you and your colleagues, nine-tenths of it is unwanted and unnecessary.”

And, in a follow-up, wrote, “your verbal diarrhoea is getting worse.” Ouch!

Alliss, though, is a man who can take criticism on the chin. Indeed, it’s fair to say his deeds with the microphone – encouraged by the late Henry Longhurst, who introduced him to the art – have excelled those he managed with clubs, even though he won the PGA Championship (ahem, European version) and at one point on tour even managed the superb feat of winning three tournaments in succession.

Golf was in the Alliss blood. His father, Percy, was a famed Ryder Cup player – Henry Cotton once told Peter his father had “one of the neatest swings I have ever seen” – an accomplished teacher but remarkably, never once gave his son a lesson.

Instead, Peter pursued the game himself and the real encouragement given him by his father was a donation of £50 for him to go off and play a number of tournaments in England and Scotland.

If there is a criticism of this book, it is that it attempts to cover too much without getting into the necessary depth.

But, then, that is a trait of Alliss, whose commentaries can often be syrupy sweet and only occasionally biting.

Alliss does explain that he is reluctant to be critical of the condition of golf courses on air because he is aware of how much work greenkeepers put into preparing a course for a tournament.

Still, this is a book that that will appeal to those who are fans of the commentator.

There is a sense that it only scratches the surface in many of the stories of his life and you wonder in fact if some of the reminiscences are relevant (particularly recalling the juvenile game of “Find the Noddy”).

But, then, that is part of what Alliss is all about, you figure.

Henry Longhurst advised Alliss that the key to golf commentary was to be conversational, “to talk to two people in their living room as though he were there with them.” Do you believe this advice has stood him well through the years?

On occasions, Alliss is inclined to go into great depth when recalling particular Ryder Cup matches. Is this necessary?

Do the personal travails of Alliss as recounted in the book make him more likable?

Not unlike his commentary manner, Alliss attempts to use a conservational tone throughout the book. Does this work?

How do you rate this book out of a possible top mark of 10? *