Warm tribute paid to John Paramor, one of golf's most-respected referees

John Paramor, one of the best-known and most-respected referees in golf, has died at the age of 67 following a lengthy illness.

The joined the European Tour as an administrator in April 1976 before going on to become the circuit’s chief referee in 1989.

Through his work with the R&A and USGA, he was central to many of the significant changes made to the Rules of Golf over the years.

His colleagues at the European Tour included Scot David Garland, who is now the group’s director of tour operations.

European Tour chief referee John Paramor pictured out on the course during the 2020 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images.

He said: “JP hired me 35 years ago - what he saw in me I have no idea, but I was so glad that he did. He was my boss, my mentor and a dear friend, as he was to so many people. Quite simply, JP was the Tour.

“So much of what we do operationally on Tour today is down to JP, and our relationships with other golfing organisations and governing bodies are down to him as he forged the path for us all. He was hugely respected the world over by players, caddies, officials and officialdom – they may not have always agreed with him, but the respect was always there.

“JP was also the most fantastic company off the golf course and there is no question that golf has lost one of its finest – a legend and a great friend who enriched all our lives.”

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both paid personal tributes to Paramor after completing their second round in The Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles.

"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 WGCs. Just a great guy,” said Woods.

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.

Paramor’s passing will be 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.