John Paramor passes away at 67, Golf world mourns loss of legend

Honoring the Legacy of John Paramor

John Paramor passes away at 67, Golf world mourns loss of legend

John Paramor

John Paramor, one of the most respected referees in golf, passed away at the age of 67. The announcement was made by the European Tour on the news of his death on Friday, February 17, 2023, calling him the “finest, fairest referee in the world.”

Paramor officiated more than 600 tournaments during his illustrious career, including 150 European Tour events and 10 Ryder Cups. He was also involved in the organization of several high-profile golf tournaments, including The Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Ryder Cup.

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The Englishman was born in London in 1955, became a professional golfer in 1972 and competed on the European Tour for more than a decade before retiring in 1985. He then began his career as a rules official, and his vast experience as a player proved invaluable in his new role.

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Social media reacts to John Paramor’s passing

Paramor’s impact on golf was immense, and his reputation as a rules expert was second to none. He was known for his attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to fairness and integrity. He was also highly respected for his calm and composed demeanor, which helped him defuse many contentious situations on the course.

John Paramor
John Paramor (Image via Golf Digest)

In a statement released by the European Tour, CEO Keith Pelley called him a “true legend” and a “trusted friend“. 

John was a true legend of the game, a wonderful ambassador for the European Tour, and a trusted friend to many of us. He was the finest, fairest referee in the world, and his passion for the game and his commitment to the players was unrivaled. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Keith Pelley on John Paramor.

Paramor’s dedication to the game, unwavering integrity, and remarkable professionalism set a standard for all those involved in golf, and his loss will be keenly felt across the sport. His contributions to the European Tour and golf as a whole will not be forgotten, and he will be remembered as a true legend of the game.

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