With legendary European Tour starter Ivor Robson retiring his vocal chords at the end of last year, who could possibly take his place?
Possible replacements for Ivor Robson
Last November, following the conclusion of the DP World Tour Championship, Ivor Robson hung up his boots after 41 years as the official starter of the European Tour.
In April, The R&A announced that David Lancaster would be the new official starter for The Open Championship, something he described as an ‘honour and a privilege’.
But who could take on the role for regular European Tour events? We take a look at ten potential off-piste candidates…
The X-Factor guy
No one would convey a sense of occasion like the guy whose bellowing voice appears over the opening credits of the X-Factor and on other adverts.
Pro: Motivational Con: Could mess with inner peace
Joe Pasquale
The former The Price is Right presenter and King of the Jungle would do a great deal to ease first-tee nerves with a voice that’s comical and unfathomable in equal measure.
Pro: Laughter-induced relaxation Con: Possible ear pain
Morgan Freeman
Having one of the most soothing voices in the world introducing you on the tee would surely instil a deep sense of calm
Pro: Comforting Con: Might send you to sleep
Seth McFarlane
Variety is the spice of life. One day Family Guy’s Peter Griffin could welcome you to the tee; on another, it could be Ted, Quagmire or Stewie Griffin. Thinking about which voice he’d use would keep your mind off the impending tee shot.
Pro: No overthinking Con: Confusion
Michael Caine
One of the most distinctive voices in film, Caine’s presence would provide a lovely sense of familiarity.
Pro: Homely Con: Distracting flashbacks
Brian Blessed
There first-tee equivalent of a motivational speech. No one would be better at geeing you up, banishing those nerves and focusing your mind on the task at hand.
Pro: Inspirational Con: Anger issues
Churchill dog
Could you imagine the sound of the Churchill dog nodding approvingly and muttering (no pun intended) ‘oh yes’ as you dispatch a drive down the first fairway?
Pro: Encouragement Con: Possible pronunciation issues
Go Compare man
Why talk when you can sing? The Go Compare man would deliver a touch more enthusiasm and colour to proceedings, contributing to a lively, convivial atmosphere. Think Bubba Watson on the tee at the 2012 Ryder Cup. Or Ian Poulter for that matter.
Pro: Enthusiasm Con: Arguably the most irritating man on the planet
David Attenborough
The man with arguably the most soothing voice on the planet. There would simply be no better way to be welcomed onto the first tee.
Pro: A state of nirvana Con: Lethargy
Murray Walker
The legendary sporting broadcaster would whip you into a frenzy as you contemplated the task at hand. Get up for it!
Pro: Nerves banished Con: Crowd annoyance
