The BBC has issued an apology after veteran golf commentator Peter Alliss "provoked another sexism storm with his second on-air gaffe within 24 hours" at the Open at St. Andrews, according to the London TELEGRAPH. Alliss, 84, "had already sent social media alight on Sunday night with his comment about young Irish amateur Paul Dunne being hugged by his mother as he came off the course with a share of the third-round lead." Alliss said, "Ah, that must be mum. Perhaps he likes older women. I don't know but I hope I got the right one." The storm he had provoked "had hardly had time to die down" when he made remarks directed toward Kim Barclay, the wife of Zach Johnson, "moments before the American sized up a putt to win a three-way play-off to land the Open title."
As the camera focused on her, Alliss "mused about how the couple would spend the prize money." Alliss: "She is probably thinking -- 'if this goes in I get a new kitchen.'"
A BBC spokesperson said, "Peter made a light hearted comment which was inappropriate and we apologize if anyone was offended" (TELEGRAPH, 7/21).
