Known as 'the voice of golf' to fans around the world, Peter Alliss was synonymous with the coverage golf for more than half a century on BBC TV, having first appearing on the station in 1961 - he was made lead golf commentator after retiring as a player in 1978 - and provided the soundtrack to many of golf's most memorable moments, with November's Masters the last tournament he covered.

Born in Berlin, where his father Percy was the professional at the glamorous Wannsee club, the legendary golf commentator, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in the Lifetime Achievement category in 2012, won 31 tournaments – as a player - and he and his father Percy were the first father-son duo to compete in the Ryder Cup, when it was a contest between Great Britain and the United States.

After retiring from playing professionally, Alliss moved into the commentary booth, where his descriptive and dead-pan style became the soundtrack to the BBC's coverage of major golf events.

His first experience behind the microphone came at the 1961 Open Championship, remarkably, in the same tournament he was challenging Arnold Palmer on the course.

"His inimitable tone, humour and command of the microphone will be sorely missed. His often legendary commentaries will be long remembered," the BBC said.

In 1978 he was appointed as the station’s chief golf commentator following the death of his co-host and great friend Henry Longhurst. He once described his television role saying: "I'm there as an old player, a lover of the game and a good weaver of stories."

To the majority of golf fans across the world Alliss’ soothing voice was the audio accompaniment to the legends of the game – from Seve Ballesteros to Tiger Woods and many more before and since.

European Tour chief executive, Keith Pelley, said: "Peter made an indelible mark on everything he did in our game, but especially as a player and a broadcaster, and he leaves a remarkable legacy," whilst Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, who also fronted the BBC's Masters and Open coverage in the past, and Monty Python actor John Cleese were among the first to mourn Alliss' passing.

He passed away age 89.