Tiger Woods posts emotional 13-word tribute to revered voice of The Open

Tiger Woods isn't usually one to post on social media regularly. 

But it goes to show the measure of respect he had for Ivor Robson, the legendary starter of the Open who has died at the age of 83, that he immediately took to his platforms to pay his respects. 

Out of the 15 majors Woods has won over the course of his illustrious, hall of fame career, three of them were Open championships. 

Woods won the Open in 2000, 2005 and 2006. He won twice at St. Andrews and once at Royal Liverpool, which staged the 151st Open in July. 

"Thank you Ivor for making each one of my Open starts so memorable," Woods posted on 17 October after hearing the news. 

Robson was the official starter for golf's oldest major for 41 years. He retired in 2015 at St. Andrews. 

"I feel you can't go on forever and if you're going to step off there's no better place to do it than here," Robson previously said. 

"I've had some nice ones but this is special, St. Andrews. It is just magnificent."

Robson's 'on the tee' introduction in his distinctive Scottish accent has been mimicked on golf courses around the world. 

He was a former golfer but never made it on tour, instead taking up the role as the first tee announcer at the 1975 Open at Carnoustie. 

Robson was present as golf legends such as Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Rory McIlroy became champion golfers. 

Thank you Ivor for making each one of my Open starts so memorable https://t.co/7PhZ33FYzF

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 17, 2023

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