Golf just isn't the same without Alliss' plummy tones guiding us around Carnoustie or Augusta.

STRENGTHS
His encyclopedic knowledge of the game. His ability to compare the putting grip of Boo Weekley with some guy Alliss saw playing in the Walker Cup in 1963. His ability to show true sympathy for a golfer's duffed shot, often with a muttered "poor lad". He also has the ability, rare in today's commentators, of actually keeping quiet and letting the action speak for itself.

WEAKNESSES C
an be very old-fashioned (well, he is76) especially when it comes to comments about the 'ladies'.

Doesn't seem to engage in much research, preferring the improvisational approach.

REGULAR SHOTGUN RIDER
There's a wide variety, usually with Scottish accents, but Alliss is always the star of the show. You can often hear his co-commentators cracking up at one of Alliss' jokes, intentional or otherwise.

MOMENT TO FORGET
Saying "It's not over yet" as Phil Mickelson holed the winning putt at the 2004 US Masters.

Compunded his error by saying that the putt was to win The Open rather than the Masters. Sounds like a long day.

GLORY DAZE
When Jean Van Der Velde went walkabout in the water at Carnoustie in 1999. Was bemused, sympathetic and angry all at the same time. "Oh no, he's gone ga-ga now, someone go to the clubhouse, buy that man a large brandy and tell him to get his socks onf it's more Jacques Tati than Jack Nicklaus."

HOLDS A CANDLE FOR
The days before political correctness. And any youngsters he sees watching or playing the game of golf . . . they're the future you see.