At least that was the overwhelming sentiment in St. Andrews’ Younger Hall when a few hundred of the great man’s family, friends and colleagues gathered yesterday to pay tribute to his life and work. It was an appropriate venue. Alliss had many connections to the Open Championship and the Home of Golf, not least his five appearances in the world’s oldest and most important event at the Old Course.
As his almost peerless broadcasting career unfolded, it was easy to forget what a wonderful player Alliss was. Tee-to-green, his elegant swing produced an impact few could match, never mind beat. And despite his many humour-laden protestations, he could putt too. How else could someone notch up more than 30 victories?
Born in Berlin, Germany (he was, at the time, the heaviest baby in Europe at 14 lbs and 12 oz) where his father, Percy, was employed…
