Ivor Robson dead: Golf icon dies aged 83 as tributes pour in

A statement published by The Open said: "Ivor Robson, a man with one of the most distinctive voices in golf, has died at the age of 83.

"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 alike.

"He also acted as the DP World Tour's official starter for over 40 years 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, paid tribute by saying: “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."

Robson announced his retirement from The Open back in 2015.

He was born in England back in 1940 and started working at The Open at Carnoustie back in 1975.

He didn't miss a Championship or tee time throughout his time in the sport.

And he was also known for avoiding a toilet break as much as possible in order to soak up the golfing action.

Speaking earlier this year, Robson admitted he missed The Open.

"I’ve retired and am enjoying life," he told Bunkered.

"I still follow the golf, but I don’t go to tournaments.

"I had a good run, 41 Opens, it was a great honour to be the official starter for the greatest championship in the world.

"I don’t go anymore; I mean, what am I going to do? "I won’t be seen standing around the first tee anymore, but I still watch it all the time."

When asked about his last appearance at The Open, he added: "I got a little bit nervous just knowing it was my last, but you have to remember what you are there for and keep your composure.

"You can’t let it get ahead of you, or you’ll make a mess, and I didn’t, it was a great honour.

"I was representing the R&A, Rolex, and the European Tour, so you had a bit of responsibility on your shoulders, and I was conscious of that.

"I never had a rain suit on or anything, I didn’t think it was right.

"I had the official blazer and tie on, and that was it."

And he rounded up the interview by saying: "I miss it a lot, especially The Open, I miss that enormously."