Ivor Robson 'the most famous first tee starter golf has ever had' passes away aged 83
RIP: The late and great Ivor Robson officiating in his final event during the final round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai 2015. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
The R&A has led tributes to the most iconic first tee voice in golf following the news that Ivor Robson has died at the age of 83.
Robson was the official starter at The Open for 41 years and his passing has been met with an outpouring of affection from players and golf administrators alike.
He also acted for over 40 years as the DP World Tour's official starter, with his ‘on the tee’ message delivered in his cultured brogue at famous golf venues around the globe.
Ivor sent the world's best players on their way in a wonderful career – from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, from Arnold Palmer to Seve Ballesteros, from Tom Watson to Rory McIlroy.
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ivor’s passing. As official starter at The Open for over 40 years, his voice was instantly recognisable and synonymous with the Championship for players and millions of golf fans worldwide.
“He was popular and well respected among all golfers who played in The Open and I know that they will share in our sadness at this news. On behalf of all of us at The R&A,
"I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 61 years, Lesley, and the Robson family.”
It was in 2015 when he announced his retirement, working at The Open at St Andrews for the final time, before making his emotional final announcements when the curtain came down on the DP World Tour season in Dubai in November 2015.
Ivor said at the time, “It has been a wonderful career. It's been a great honour. The way I have been treated by players, officials, sponsors… thank you all very much.
Looking back to his Open career, he added, “It is a great honour to be the official starter for the greatest championship in the world. I’m privileged and immensely proud. They were all very special.”
Paul McGinley has also paid his condolences by Tweeting; "So sad to hear of Ivor Robsons passing - the most famous & popular first tee starter golf has ever had - his legacy will be that iconic & quintessential British voice of his #RIP."
