Peter Alliss is a man of many talents

Although he never succeeded in winning any of the Major championships, his victory tally in European tournaments was impressive, no less than 20 wins between 1954 and 1969, including the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese Opens in the space of three weeks in 1958.

His first appearance in the Ryder Cup was in 1953, and with the single exception of 1955 he represented Great Britain and Ireland in the event until 1969.

Peter Alliss' retirement from international golf at the early age of 38 ("I began to twitch on the short putts," he said) has led to a successful triple career as a broadcaster, writer and golf course design consultant.

Peter joined the BBC television commentary team in 1961 and has become known to millions of viewers in America, Canada and Australia as well as the UK, where he enjoyed a commentating partnership with the late Henry Longhurst.

Among Peter's hobbies are yoga, meditation and keeping fit.

Alex Hay

Born in Edinburgh in 1933 and educated at Musselburgh Grammar School, Alex Hay was a professional golfer until 1994.

He started his commentating career with BBC television in 1978 with the Open championship and has covered many golfing events - including all the Opens - since then.

Hay has forged a superb broadcasting partnership with his great friend and partner in crime Peter Alliss and the pair bring authority and genuine humour to the BBC television coverage.

Away from the commentary box, Alex is involved with course management and was until recent times the managing director of Woburn Golf Course - venue for the British Masters.

Outside of the game, Alex enjoys rugby, football and art.

Ken Brown

Ken was born in January 1957 in Hertfordshire and educated at Roundwood Park School.

Before joining the BBC, Ken Brown was a professional golfer from 1975-1992.

During his golfing years, Ken played in Ryder Cups and won the Southern Open.

Ken Brown played in several Ryder Cups

He commentated for Sky Sports on the US and European tours for eight years until April 2000, when Ken joined the BBC golf team.

Off the course, Ken is a keen gardener and sportsman. He currently lives with his wife and children in Hertfordshire.

Dougie Donnelly

Dougie Donnelly was born in Glasgow and attended the Hamilton Academy before taking a law degree at the University of Strathclyde.

His career in broadcasting began in 1979 when he presented Radio Clyde's mid-morning show.

Dougie is the main presenter of BBC Scotland's sport output, a position held since 1980, fronting Sportscene with its main sports of football and rugby.

In 1992, Dougie joined up as a presenter and reporter with the award-winning BBC Network team and has covered Olympic Games, major football tournaments, and World Championship snooker.

Golf has featured regularly on Dougie's schedule and he has also presented a variety of sport productions, including Grandstand.

Outside of his broadcasting activities, Dougie remains a sports enthusiast and a keen golfer.

Tony Adamson

Perhaps best known as BBC Radio's golf correspondent - since 1988 - Tony Adamson is also renowned for his commentaries from the Wimbledon Championships.

His career in radio sport began at BBC Radio Oxford, where he was a sports producer and presenter of the early morning show.

Tony joined BBC network radio in 1977, and had spells presenting Sport On 2 and Sport On 4 before going on to become one of Radio 5 Live's most familiar voices.