Shell's Wonderful World of Golf

The episode of Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, airing on January 14, 1967, took viewers on a scenic journey through the island of Bermuda while showcasing a golfing clash between Tony Lema and Peter Alliss.

The episode opened with a picturesque portrayal of Bermuda, showing activities that could easily overwhelm a tourist, from swimming in ocean pools to indulging in local performances, dining out, and watching a county cricket match.

The stakes were high, with a $7,000 prize for the winner, $3,000 for the loser, and $5,000 each for a draw. $10,000 was to be awarded to any player who achieved a hole in one.

The contest between Lema and Alliss progressed with intensity. There were moments of brilliance and moments with challenges as the players navigated the course. The game remained balanced until pivotal moments on holes 5 and 6, where Peter Alliss secured an advantage. However, the tides turned, and Tony Lema seized the lead on hole 17, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

On hole 18, the climactic moment arrived. Lema's potential victory hinged on a final putt. The ball rolled on the rim of the hole before deciding its fate – a draw. Both players achieved a score of 71, par for the Mid Ocean field.

The show was produced and directed by Fred Raphael. Unfortunately, the episode's legacy was imbued with a bittersweet note. Tony Lema and his wife sadly passed in a plane crash shortly after the episode's filming. His connection to Bermuda, through his Bermudian father, added an extra layer of significance.