There was sad news in the golf world this week when one of the game’s most respected referees, John Paramor, died at the age of 67.
Paramor worked as a referee for 44 years on the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) before retiring in 2020, and in that time built a reputation as one of the best in the game.
Not surprisingly, the news that he had passed away on Friday due to an unspecified illness left the golf world shocked and saddened. PGA Tour players wore black ribbons to honour him during the third round of the Genesis Invitational, while a minute’s silence was held before the start of the third round of the Thailand Classic on the DP World Tour.
Officials observed a minute’s silence at the Thailand Classic to honour John Paramor
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Many key figures in the game paid personal tributes to the Englishman, too. Following Tiger Woods’ second round at Riviera Country Club, the 15-time Major winner spoke to the press and expressed his shock at the news, describing Paramor as one of the all-time best rules officials.
When asked about Paramor’s passing, the 47-year-old said: “I did not know that. One of the all-time best rules officials. John was around when I first turned pro and had been a staple obviously on the European Tour and all the World Golf Championships, when he came over here and was a rules official. Just a great guy. I’m a little bit taken back by that.”
Rory McIlroy, speaking at the same tournament, explained Paramor would be warmly remembered by everyone in the game. He said: “Even before I came on Tour, John was a beloved character within the game of golf and I got to know him quite well over the past few years. And yeah, it’s really sad. He was always a friendly face to see out on Tour and I always loved my conversations with him, so yeah, it’s a sad day and he’ll be very fondly remembered by the whole golf community.”
Shane Lowry had equally warm words for Paramor. He said: “It came as a shock to me, it’s very sad for everyone. It’s obviously very sad for his family and everyone on the DP World Tour and to be honest I wish John was out there today. The pace of play might have been a bit better. He was always a great man at keeping the pace of play going well and yeah, he was a great referee and just a great person.”
Players pay their tributes to John Paramor. pic.twitter.com/givqS9X0aTFebruary 18, 2023
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