Alliss still going strong

PETER ALLISS gave clear indications that he would hang up his microphone last year at the age of 86 and is now wheelchair-bound after an ankle operation. Yet it looks as though he will carry on commentating into his nineties. The BBC have indulged Alliss with a one-year rolling contract and allowed him to name his retirement date, while colleagues report his health and fitness is much improved from last year.

THE ways in which Augusta National and the All England Club work along the same lines have now seen both venues attempt to buy land from neighbouring golf clubs. The Masters have reportedly agreed a £20million deal with the Augusta Country Club for seven acres that will be used improving access to the course and possibly lengthening the 13th hole. Meanwhile, Wimbledon are waiting to hear whether the members of Wimbledon Park Golf Club will accept their offer of around the same amount to terminate their lease on the 73-acre course which runs until 2041. But while the All England Club have offered inducements of up to £50,000 for long-standing members, it is understood Augusta National’s offer didn’t even include passes to the Masters. THE Augusta taxi driver who retrieved the wallet left in his cab by Justin Rose’s strength and conditioning trainer Justin Buckthorp kept declining the $100 (£71) offered in gratitude. So good guy Rose posed for a selfie with the driver to ensure he took the tip.