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Tributes are paid to golf commentator Alex Hay

Tributes are paid to golf commentator Alex Hay

Tributes have been paid to the former golf commentator Alex Hay who has died. He was 78.

Mr. Hay went from apprentice club maker, to professional golfer, to becoming one of the most respected commentators on the sport along side his friend Peter Alliss.

He began his career as a commentator with the BBC in 1978 and went on to spend the next 26 years in the hotseat. He retired in 2004 at the age of 71.

His strength as a commentator came from his great experience in the game he loved so much.

After leaving school he had become an apprentice golf club maker with the Ben Sayers company. He then qualified as a PGA professional in 1952.

He was an authority on the golf swing and would provide analysis of the swings used by many professionals over the years.

As well as commentating on the game Mr. Hay also wrote a number of books on the subject.

He was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the PGA last December.

His old friend and former commentating colleague, Peter Alliss, led the tributes.

He said: “I knew Alex Hay for more years than I care to remember. He was a good companion — amusing, entertaining. I loved him dearly and I shall miss him enormously.”

 

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