I’m teed off so can finally see some golf
Legendary golf starter Ivor Robson will watch his first Open Championship for 41 years at Troon this week.
The voice of the tournament has announced players on the first tee every year since Carnoustie in 1975.
And while his lilting Dumfriesshire tones have become synonymous with the event, his role has meant Ivor has seen very little of the action.
Especially as he was so dedicated to the job that he refused to leave his post between 6.30am and 4.30pm each tournament day – even for a toilet break.
The 75-year-old dad of two hung up his microphone at St Andrews last year but he’s back this year as a guest of tournament organisers the R& A.
Ivor, of Moffat, said: “It’s very kind of them to invite me. I haven’t decided exactly where I’ll be on the course when the tournament starts but it won’t be at the first tee.
“I’ll find a suitable point on the course to take in the atmosphere and reflect on how lucky I have been.”
The R& A have chosen two starters as replacements – Englishmen David Lancaster, 59, and Matt Corker, 63. Ivor said: “I’m not sure how I’ll feel when the players are announced on to the first tee on the first day of the championship. “I had 41 Opens and to be official starter for the greatest championship in the world was, for me, the greatest honour you could possibly have. “But it was time for me to go and the position is in good hands. “The game of golf wi l l always be bigger than any individuals. “I’ ll not be near the first tee at any time during the week. “I just wouldn’t like it if people felt like I was checking up on the new starters or on what was going on.” Ivor, who was a club pro, got a job in 1975 with club makers Accles and Pollock who also supplied starters for The Open.
Over the years, he sent 18,998 players off in pursuit of the Claret Jug, including legends of the game such as Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, who presented Ivor with a gift last year to mark his last Open.
Ivor said: “Every player has been treated the same by me over the years.
“I just wanted to get them on the tee, and off the tee, with all the information they needed.
“This will be the first Open I’ve been at as a spectator since 1974 but I’m certainly looking forward to it.
“It’ll be a great championship – of that I’ve no doubt.”
The Open generates morere than £100million for the Scottish economy, with more than 200,000 fans expected at Royal Troon this week.
Gates open at 9am today for the first of four practice days.
The competitive action of Thee Open Championship begins on Thursday.
Adult day ticket prices during the tournament range from £ 80 up to £1000 for hospitality.
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “The Open brings a huge economic and marketing boost to Scotland.
“Last year, almost two thirds of all spectators travelled from outwith Scotland and more than a quarter came from overseas..
“The feedback already this year has been excellent.”