The world of golf has paid tribute to legendary first-tee announcer Ivor Robson, who has died aged 83.
Robson introduced players at The Open for 41 years, while he also acted in the capacity as official starter for the DP World Tour for over four decades.
He announced his retirement in 2015 at the 144th Open Championship, before his career concluded at the 2015 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Across five decades at golf’s oldest Major, Robson introduced almost 19,000 players, with Tiger Woods, a three-time Open Champion, one of many paying tribute to one of the most recognisable voices in the sport.
“Thank you, Ivor, for making each one of my Open starts so memorable,” he wrote on social media.
Paul Dunne, who rose to prominence at The Open, was the last ever player to be called by Robson after playing in the final group as a co-leader going into the final round in 2015.
Joining in those to pay their condolences, the DP World Tour winner from Ireland wrote: “I grew up dreaming of it and it became my proudest moment was hearing my name announced by Ivor. A sad day for golf losing a legend. RIP”
Ryder Cup Captains Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjørn and Luke Donald all also paid tribute to Robson, who also called off players at golf’s greatest team competition.
At this week’s Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters in Spain, the players will be given the chance to wear a black ribbon as a mark of respect to Robson.
Here we look at a selection of the tributes from across the sport on social media...
Thank you Ivor for making each one of my Open starts so memorable https://t.co/7PhZ33FYzF
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 17, 2023
A gentleman with a unique voice that set us off on our journeys. Thank you for your dedication to our beautiful sport. RIP Ivor https://t.co/TAodtBjhk6
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) October 17, 2023
Very sad news of the passing of Ivor. He always gave you a sense of calmness before your opening tee shot of a Ryder Cup or The Open. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/pN5rG9pW04
— Colin Montgomerie (@montgomeriefdn) October 17, 2023
Very sad. He was a massive part of tour life, great guy and will certainly miss him saying. Ok gentlemen I’ll let you go RIP Ivor. https://t.co/HEntLhWpM5
— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) October 17, 2023
A man with one of the most distinctive voices in golf.
— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) October 17, 2023
For 41 years he was the official starter at @TheOpen - a real legend in our world who will be deeply missed by the whole @DPWorldTour and @ROLEX family.
Rest in peace, Ivor 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/U3oCTJovQD
A true professional to all who came to watch golf events but to the players he was a warm familiar presence during some of our most stressful moments. A lovely man who will be remembered fondly. RIP Ivor. https://t.co/oI0pMJlFat
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) October 17, 2023
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 https://t.co/nH6jQmso18
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) October 17, 2023
Very sad to hear of the passing of the wonderful Ivor Robson, honourary starter on the DPWT for over 40years. The epitome of professionalism who always brought a sense of calm at an unnerving time. Lovely man, friend of everyone on the tour. You will be missed Ivor x RIP ❤️
— Andrew Coltart (@AndrewColtart) October 17, 2023
RIP Ivor. A calming influence for first tee nerves, always cheerful and a good man. https://t.co/64hM45A0ov
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) October 17, 2023
I grew up dreaming of it and it became my proudest moment was hearing my name announced by Ivor. A sad day for golf losing a legend. RIP https://t.co/zPlSsxSHBr
— Paul Dunne (@dunners11) October 17, 2023
So sad to hear the news that Ivor has passed away one of life’s true gentlemen RIP🙏🏻
— Stephen Gallacher (@stevieggolf) October 17, 2023
Never forgotten. https://t.co/YUC872aq29
— anthony wall (@awallgolfer) October 17, 2023
Sad news. The ultimate professional. Never once saw him take even a sip of water. Always respectful and put you at ease https://t.co/yEdoBzOn9h
— Simon Khan (@simonkhangolf) October 17, 2023
The One and Only Ivor!!! You were a true gentleman and a Giant for European golf ❤️ may you RIP ❤️ On the Tee in Heaven Ivor Robson ❤️ https://t.co/SH02QkSEQv
— Joel Sjöholm (@SwedishTORO) October 17, 2023
The voice of the Open Championship, such sad news today…
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) October 17, 2023
Rest in Peace Ivor https://t.co/CR9do37wO6
A voice synonymous with golf.
— Gonzalo Fdez-Castaño (@gfcgolf) October 17, 2023
Very sad day, what a gentleman he was!
R.I.P. Ivor Robson https://t.co/DuX5t6GxQp
Ivor always had a warm and calming presence on the tee when one’s nerves and thoughts were all over the place. Such class RIP Ivor.
— PaulEalesGolf (@PaulEalesGolf) October 17, 2023
A sad day….Ivor was a real gent. It was an pleasure to have shared the 1st tee with him so many times.
— Drum (@scottGdrummond) October 17, 2023
Sad news for the golf community… RIP Ivor Robson. pic.twitter.com/3pj0HyHpcM
— Pablo Larrazabal (@plarrazabal) October 17, 2023
Un grand homme de notre sport nous a quitté aujourd’hui…
— Matthieu Pavon (@matthieupavon) October 17, 2023
Rest in Peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/1MvtEuOzXD
I can't even remember the 1st time I met Ivor...... It just seemed like I'd known him forever, and He Me.... Was missed when He retired, and now His family will miss Him even more..... Rest In Peace Young Man... You added to the World of Golf. https://t.co/0cv8CqrdWU
— Scott Hend (@hendygolf) October 17, 2023
