Introduction
If you grew up in the UK, chances are that golf on TV meant one thing: BBC Golf. Before Sky Sports and streaming platforms took over, the BBC was the place where fans gathered to watch the world’s biggest golf tournaments. Families sat down on Sunday afternoons, cups of tea in hand, as Peter Alliss’ calm voice guided them through tense finishes at The Open or The Masters.
It wasn’t just sport—it was tradition. BBC Golf wasn’t about flashing graphics or endless statistics; it was about storytelling. Today, although live rights have mostly shifted elsewhere, BBC Golf still matters. Through highlights, expert presenters, and even its very own Golf Society, the BBC has kept its relationship with the game alive.
How It All Began
The BBC’s connection with golf goes back nearly a century. The first radio commentaries of golf in the 1920s were brief and experimental, but they planted a seed. By the 1950s, television brought a revolution, and golf was one of the sports that benefited most.
In 1955, BBC televised its first coverage of The Open Championship. Suddenly, golf wasn’t just something you read about in the papers—it was a shared experience in living rooms across Britain.
The Voices That Defined BBC Golf
Peter Alliss, often called ‘the Voice of Golf,’ joined the BBC commentary team in 1978 and remained the heart of it for over four decades. Before him, Henry Longhurst and Renton Laidlaw were key voices, remembered for their elegance and sharp insight.
Today, Eilidh Barbour leads the BBC team, supported by Andrew Cotter, Ken Brown, Maureen Madill, and Rishi Persad. They’ve kept the tradition alive, though it’s fair to say no one can quite replicate Alliss’ charm.
The Open Championship and BBC’s Golden Era
From 1955 to 2015, The Open Championship was the crown jewel of BBC Golf. Fans remember Tom Watson’s duel with Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977, Seve Ballesteros fist-pumping at St Andrews in 1984, and Nick Faldo’s calm dominance in the 1990s—all brought to life by the BBC.
In 2016, Sky Sports took over live rights, but BBC still retains highlights coverage, with a three-year deal signed in 2025 for both men’s and women’s championships.
BBC’s Golf Coverage Today
| Tournament | Coverage Type | Status (2025) |
| The Open Championship | Highlights | 3-year deal (till 2027) |
| The Masters | Highlights | Yes |
| Ryder Cup | Highlights | Yes |
| Women’s British Open | Highlights | Yes |
| BMW PGA Championship | Highlights | Yes |
| Live Coverage | None | Sky holds rights |
The BBC Golf Society – A Hidden Gem
Founded in 1928, the BBC Golf Society organizes regular outings between April and October at courses across the UK. Membership is affordable (about £40 per season), with fun competitions like ‘nearest the pin’ and ‘longest drive.’ It’s more about community and friendship than competition.
Why BBC Golf Still Feels Special
Even though live golf has largely moved to pay-TV, BBC Golf continues to matter:
– Accessibility: Highlights keep golf free-to-air.
– Storytelling: The commentary adds depth beyond the scores.
– Nostalgia: Generations grew up with BBC coverage.
– Women’s Golf: BBC promotes women’s tournaments too.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for BBC Golf?
While a return to full live coverage looks unlikely, BBC Golf has opportunities in digital storytelling, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and grassroots partnerships. Its role may be changing, but its presence in the sport remains important.
Conclusion
BBC Golf is not just about who won a tournament—it’s about how the story was told. From Peter Alliss’ warm humor to iconic Open Championships, the BBC made golf a shared national experience. Even today, with highlights, community events, and digital platforms, BBC Golf keeps the soul of the game alive.
Read More article like this on unkgolf