[PHOTO: Tom Pennington]
No men’s golfer of any true accomplishment in the past half-century had not shaken the hand of Ivor Robson. The long-time first-tee announcer on the DP World Tour spent 41 years in the same capacity at the Open Championship, reading what the BBC reported as 18,995 names in seeing off all those in search of winning the claret jug.
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
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
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
This was the last time I got introduced by the great Ivor Robson. July 20 2015 Senior British Sunningdale. My wife Jenny took the video knowing it would be the last time. Ivor was retiring after this. RIP Ivor🙏 pic.twitter.com/mxlBEBFKr5
— Scott McCarron (@ScottMccarron) October 17, 2023
🙏🙏 it was a pleasure and a thrill really to see Ivor Robson on that First Tee @TheOpen @DPWorldTour @PGATOUR it meant you were at the best place in the world playing against the best players in the world, he was legendary and synonymous with greatness. God bless Ivor⛳️ https://t.co/GaF7ml3U7r
— Len Mattiace ⛳ (@LenMattiace) October 17, 2023
