On Friday, the R&A announced the death of John Paramor, who worked as a senior rules official for the DP World Tour for more than four decades, including annually at golf’s majors.
The R&A remembered Paramor in a press release as “a much-loved administrator, well-known by the world’s leading players, Paramor had a significant impact on the sport in an illustrious career spanning over 40 years as a senior official with the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour). He also played his part with The R&A in the evolution of the Rules of Golf and the way they are taught to golfers across the globe, as well as assisting the refereeing team at The Open on an annual basis.”
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According to the R&A, Paramor retired from his long career as a top rules official at the end of 2020 and died this week “after battling a long illness.” He was 67 years old.
“Golf has lost one of its most prominent figures in the world of refereeing. Known fondly by players and officials alike, John has left a rich legacy on the sport,” R&A CEO Martin Slumbers said in the statement. “He was a highly respected individual and carried out his work to impeccable standard yet also with great understanding when administering the Rules of Golf. He was also a wonderful character to be around, on and off the golf course, and everyone at The R&A is saddened at his passing.”
Paramor’s impact on top players was real, as evidenced by an outpouring of remembrances from pros on Friday.
Following his second round at the Genesis Invitational, World No. 2 Rory McIlroy said, “Even before I came on Tour John [Paramor] was a beloved character within the game of golf. 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. Yeah, it’s a sad day, but he’ll be very fondly remembered by the whole golf community.”
Ahead of Saturday’s third round at Riviera, the PGA Tour invited players to wear black ribbons on their hats in honor of Paramor.
RIP John Paramor pic.twitter.com/GALEudP99d
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) February 18, 2023
Other pros offered heartfelt messages on social media, including three-time major champion Padraig Harrington, former World No. 1 Luke Donald and 2010 U.S. Open Champion Graeme McDowell, which you can see below.
Indeed very sad news. He was a great ambassador for the game he loved. RIP John, you’ll be deeply missed. https://t.co/bprTslvHax
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) February 17, 2023
So incredibly sad to hear this. John was a larger than life character that everyone looked up to and respected. You always knew where you stood with John and he will be missed by all. RIP 🙏🏼 and my condolences to his family. https://t.co/QNdiwFIsYn
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) February 17, 2023
Sad loss for golf with the passing of John Paramore. He was a great man who had a huge impact on my golf career and I’m thankful for his leadership and the ever present fairness he did a difficult job with. Thoughts and prayers with his family. pic.twitter.com/cmKUAwLsFc
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) February 17, 2023
Very sad to hear about the passing of John Paramour. He was a great man, brilliant to talk to and a big part of the @DPWorldTour family. Liked and respected by everyone! Condolences to the whole family! RIP JP!
— Bernd Wiesberger (@BWiesberger) February 17, 2023
Remembering the life of John Paramor, one of the most respected rules officials in the history of golf and a hugely popular figure across the entire Tour family. pic.twitter.com/ku9yu3Nc6B
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 18, 2023