Ivor Robson :: Players hail retiring starter

• Golfers pay tribute to legendary starter Ivor Robson
• The 75-year-old is retiring after 41 years in his role
• “The banter we’ve had is just unbelievable,” he said

Players have been paying tribute to one of the most loved figures in the game, Ivor Robson, who has retired from his role as official starter to the European Tour and Open Championship after 41 years in the role.

A career that began at Carnoustie in 1975 and has seen the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods welcomed onto the first tee in inimitable fashion, finally came to an end when Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan took their tee shots to begin round four of the European Tour’s season-ending event in Dubai.

“The banter we’ve had is just unbelievable”

“It’s just been wonderful, you don’t realise that the years go by so quickly,” said Robson, who was presented with a plaque and a specially commissioned oil painting by European Tour officials and a group of players including Henrik Stenson. “These guys are just super, they’re a credit to the game, and you mustn’t forget the caddies either because they’re so unique – they could all have their own TV programmes, they’re just naturally funny, but professional with it.

“I’ve been out on the tee all this time and the banter we’ve had is just unbelievable – they’re a great bunch of guys out there. I’m going to miss it, everything about it. Just being part of a team – a very successful team to help keep the events running smoothly.

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“There have been a number of highlights – I’ve announced all the greats: Nicklaus, Palmer, Player. Bobby Locke, Sam Snead, Roberto De Vincenzo – all these players I’ve announced, it’s amazing isn’t it. You can’t help but mention the great Seve of course – without him we wouldn’t be in as fortunate position on the European Tour as we are today because he did so much for golf.”

Ian Poulter, Paul McGinley, Richie Ramsay and Bernd Wiesberger were among those to pay tribute to Robson on Twitter, while in the video below, some of the players in action at the DP World Tour Championship tried to do their best impressions of him.