ALEX HAY DIES AT AGE OF 78

FROM THE PGA E-BULLETIN
Alex Hay, a PGA professional for more than half a century, former Ryder Cup referee and celebrated TV commentator, died peacefully this morning following a short illness. He was 78.

Hay was born in Edinburgh in 1933 and joined Ben Sayers as an apprentice clubmaker before becoming an assistant at Potters Bar.

He qualified as a PGA professional in 1952 and had spells at East Herts, Dunham Forest and Ashridge golf clubs before moving to Woburn in 1977. Initially, the head PGA professional there, he became its managing director.

Hay also wrote several books on the techniques of the swing and played a key role in the drawings used in the PGA’s training manual.

However, it was his role as a commentator for the BBC from 1978 to 2004 that he is best known.

He co-presented all the major tournaments with Peter Alliss and the pair were renowned for their wit, rapport, feeling and deep knowledge of the game.

Hay, who passed away with his family by his side, leaves a wife Ann, and two sons, Graham and David, and the PGA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family at this very sad time.