‘A beloved character’: Pros offer heartfelt remembrances of top rules official John Paramor

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.”

Rules

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.

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.