Paramor, who retired from his duties as the tour’s lead rules official in 2020, had been suffering from cancer.
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.
“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.”