It’s not just the members of the European Tour but the thousands of fans who follow the exploits of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and all the other stars who will miss official starter Ivor Robson, who hung up the microphone for the last time in Dubai on Sunday.

In 1992, I was fortunate enough to qualify for my one and only appearance in a Major, the British Open Championship at Muirfield.

THE sing-song introductions have become as familiar as the wind and rain at British Opens since 1975, but there’s something a lot more warming and comfortable than the weather listening to veteran tournament starter Ivor Robson announce: “On the tee ...”

The first mistake of the Ryder Cup’s opening day came not from any of the players, but from official starter Ivor Robson.