Dubai: Ivor Robson made his last-ever announcement as official starter for the European Tour on the final day of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Sunday.
The unmistakable warbling Scottish accent of the legendary 75-year-old will no longer be heard resonating from the first tee as he drew an end to his 41-year career, which started at the British Open in Carnoustie in 1975.
This is it: Ivor Robson's last ever tee announcement retires after 41 years @GulfNewsSport https://t.co/8cJa7d114E
— Ashley Hammond (@ashleymhammond) November 22, 2015
Famed for his immaculate green blazer and trademark phrases, “On the tee” and “I’ll let you go now”, Robson was an institution whose rising-pitch intonation has long been the subject of fond impersonation on tee boxes and driving ranges the world over.
After sending Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan on their way at midday on Sunday, Robson was met with a standing ovation from fans followed by a presentation from European Tour staff and players.
European Tour chief executive officer (CEO) Keith Pelley said: “I’ve been on the first tee for the last five hours and just to see the admiration of every single player who has come up and saluted Ivor has really been a tribute to him. There are few icons like him in the game there is no question.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to see the way the players have treated you and you will be missed, but you are a golf professional yourself and you intend to play a little bit more, so we wish you all the best in your retirement.”
On behalf of the players, DP World Tour Championship 2013 and 2014 winner Henrik Stenson then presented Robson with a picture of Rory McIlroy teeing off, with the announcer characteristically perched under his green umbrella, ever-present, left of centre.
“It’s been a wonderful career and a great honour,” said a visibly moved Robson. “I can’t believe the years have flown by so quickly. To be allowed to be the official starter for the European Tour, I can’t find the words to describe it. And the way I’ve been treated by the players, officials and sponsors — all I can say is thank you.
“Thank you to the professionals, it’s been great fun being here with you, we’ve had lots of banter, it’s just been one big joke really, you’re all incredible and you’re a credit to the game.
“And to the spectators,” he added. “Thank you for all your wonderful support over the years.”
After the applause, a deafening silence fell over the course until fittingly one fan yelled from the top of his voice “We will miss you” with exaggerated Ivor-esque intonation.
Robson’s foray from professional golf into announcing was a typical tale of the man who couldn’t beat them, joining them in the only other way he knew how, as he once recalled.
“Once I was out on the course playing, I was fine. But I absolutely lived in fear of the first tee. I hated having my name announced. I’d get to shaking so bad with nerves that I finally had to give it up altogether. Now I’m doing the very thing that killed me.”
