Who was Ivor Robson? Everything you need to know about the ‘voice of the public’

Shocking news awaited the golf world on October 16th! Ivor Robson, also known as the “Voice of the Open”, had died the day before at the age of 83. His life and career were marked by the admiration of the best golfers in the world, whom he bid farewell with his famous words and warm grin. Naturally, this arouses curiosity about the man whom even Tiger Woods thanked for making each of his Open starts so unforgettable!

Robson began his tenure as the official tee-starter of the Major Championship at the 1975 Open. For 41 years, he stood at a lectern near the first tee during each round of the championship to introduce each player. “On the tee, …” “I’m so proud that I saw an athlete for the last time in my life,” said the announcer in his slightly high voice when the first athlete started. And this voice remained in the hearts of the community even after he ended his career in 2015, as a recent tweet from the Major shows.

Ivor Robson was born on September 10, 1940. He was a golfer himself and competed on the Scottish Pro Tour from the 1960s to 1979 before working as a club professional in Scotland. His fortunes changed when the golf club company that hired the starters for the Open Championship invited the sportsman to take on that role at Carnoustie, Scotland. Since then, he has done the same at other links courses during the major, including St. Andrews, Turnberry, Royal Birkdale and Muirfield.

But that’s not all. He also served as the official starter for the European race track for over 40 years, using his legendary “On the tee” News. “Nobody told me how to do it,” the late Mr Robson revealed in an interview with Bunkered, “When I started in 1975, I just had to figure it out for myself. ‘What am I doing here?’ Just tell them where they’re from, give them the player’s name and let them do it.”

The veteran starter endured heat, cold and rain for more than four decades in the comfort (or discomfort) of his blazer and tie. His voice was remembered by many, said Mike Tirico, a NBC Sports reporter, “That smile in his eyes and that sing-song in his voice – it was unmistakable. When you mentioned a player’s name, he would imitate the pronunciation of his names with his intonations.” He undoubtedly left his mark on the history of the sport, so much so that numerous golfers gathered to pay their last respects.

Golfers’ reactions to Ivor Robson’s death in 2023

“We are deeply saddened by Ivor’s death,” said R&A CEO Martin Slumbers after the tragic news. “He was loved and respected by all the golfers who played in the Open and I know they share our sadness at this news.” Well, they did not disappoint, as many, including Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald, expressed their sadness over his death.

His relationships with these athletes were built by often chatting to them before they teed off for the event. And when his last Open was at St. Andrews in 2015, five-time champion Tom Watson (who was also playing his last Open) presented him with an 18th green flag with the message: “We have walked this long road together. All the best for your retirement.” Many would certainly agree with Poulter’s message when the iconic starter passed away. “Sadly, you left us today, but your voice and your happiness remain!”