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John Paramor served as a tournament referee for 44 years before retiring in 2020

Former tour referee John Paramor passes away

John Paramor, the DP World Tour’s former chief referee, whose career spanned six decades, has died aged 67.

Paramor, who retired from his duties as the tour’s lead rules official in 2020, had been suffering from cancer.
An accomplished golfer in his own right, Paramor was a former Surrey amateur champion, but his natural interest in golf’s rules book led him to specialise as a referee and the sight of him on the fairways soon become commonplace at European Tour events and Major Championships around the world throughout his storied career.
He joined the European Tour as an administrator in 1976, having previously spent a year working as a caddie for Peter Butler. He went on to become the tour’s chief referee in 1989 and through his work with the R&A and USGA became a central figure in changes to the Rules of Golf over the years, as well as the Tour’s own policies, including its updated approach to Pace of Play in 2016.
Paramor’s death was marked with a minute’s silence during the third round of the Thailand Classic on the DP World Tour and also at SDC Open on the Challenge Tour. The PGA Tour is to hold a similar tribute at the Genesis Invitational today (Saturday).
Keith Pelley, the chief executive of the DP World Tour, said: “I said when John retired in 2020 that `legend’ is a word used too often in sport, but in terms of golf, and the administration of the rules of our sport, it perfectly describes John Paramor. Quite simply, he was a leader in his field, the guru of referees, and someone who commanded the absolute respect of the players and of his peers.
On point: John Paramor gives Colin Montgomerie a ruling during the 1999 PGA Championship at Wentworth

“When I arrived at the Tour in 2015, I had the privilege of working closely with JP, who took time to walk me through the intricacies of all the rules and regulations of golf – I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for that. He was a big character in all senses – his physical stature, his stature in the game and his popularity with anyone who shared a dinner or a social occasion with him. He had a strong personality but had passion for his job and the Tour as a whole which shone through whenever you spoke with him.”
Tiger Woods, speaking on hearing the news after the second round at the Genesis, said: “John was one of the all-time best rules officials. He was around when I first turned pro and had been a staple obviously on the European Tour and all the WGCs. Just a great guy.
Rory McIlroy added: “Even before I came on Tour, John was a beloved character within the game. He was always a friendly face to see out on Tour and I always loved my conversations with him. It’s a sad day but he’ll be very fondly remembered by the whole golf community.”