Not surprisingly then, upon learning of Robson’s death at age 83 on Tuesday, many in the golf world who so appreciated his presence — and regaled in hearing Robson speak their names — took to social media to salute him. Here are a handful of tributes offered to honour Robson:

Thank you Ivor for making each one of my Open starts so memorable https://t.co/7PhZ33FYzF

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 17, 2023

The voice of the Open Championship. So many incredible memories with Ivor over the years. Rest in Peace, my friend. https://t.co/HLkHnna329

— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) 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

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

Ivor Robson the Voice of the Open Championship. You sadly have left us today but your voice and happiness hasn’t.
#RIP My Friend. First tee memories will last forever. ?? pic.twitter.com/Oukf2gwlUs

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 17, 2023

RIP Ivor Robson.lovely man.

— Tony Jacklin CBE (@jacklin_tony) October 17, 2023

Very sad news with the passing of Ivor Robson & thoughts to his family. I've never seen someone take pride in their job like he did. One of the coolest moments of my career was having him announce me on the tee as the US Open Champ & also the Scottish Open after I won at Pebble. pic.twitter.com/se3TM7VKBc

— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) 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

Everyone at St Andrews Links Trust is devastated to hear of the passing of Ivor Robson, long-time starter for The Open.

With one of the most distinctive voices in golf, Ivor presided over 41 Opens, including eight here at the Home of Golf, culminating in his last in 2015.

From… pic.twitter.com/4okCW2BZnd

— St Andrews Links (@TheHomeofGolf) October 17, 2023

Main image: Tom Pennington

The post Tiger Woods, Gary Player among golfers paying tribute to ‘Voice of Golf’ Ivor Robson appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

He 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.

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.”

Ivor Robson. 1940 – 2023.

A voice synonymous with The Open. pic.twitter.com/NTEvkrggQl

— The Open (@TheOpen) October 17, 2023

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.”

A much-loved resident of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway, Ivor was born in England in 1940 and began his remarkable career at The Open in 1975 at Carnoustie. He went on to earn the admiration of the best players in the world, sending them off from the first tee with his famous words and a hearty grin.

“To the professionals, it has been great fun being here with you,” he added in 2015. “We have had lots of banter and it has been wonderful. You are a credit to the professional game. And to the spectators, thank you for your wonderful support over the years.”

For 41 stagings of The Open, it was one voice, Ivor’s voice, that marked the time.

He didn’t miss a championship or a tee time going back to 1975 and was also well known for avoiding a toilet break as much as he could between matches teeing off.

Having worked at his 40th Open at Royal Liverpool in 2014, The 144th Open the following year was Ivor’s last.

When he took to the tee at 6.32am on the opening Thursday over the Old Course, it marked the beginning of a final championship for the iconic first tee announcer.

“I feel you can’t go on forever and if you’re going to step off there’s no better place to do it than here,” he said. “I’ve had some nice ones but this is special, St Andrews. It is just magnificent.”

Ivor said he would miss many things about working at The Open but mostly it was the people. “Being involved, being a part of a team,” he said. “I’ll miss that a lot but it’s time to go.”

A fiercely private man who enjoyed playing when he could at his beloved Moffat Golf Club.

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.”

Main image: Ivor Robson. R&A

The post Open Championship starter Ivor Robson dies at age 83 appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.