One of the most recognizable figures in European golf, highly respected former umpire John Paramor, has died aged 67.
Paramor’s distinguished career spanned more than six decades after joining the European Tour as an administrator in 1976. He was a capable golfer and a former Surrey Amateur Champion.
But it was as a referee that he made his mark and was regularly seen by viewers ruling on decisions involving some of the biggest names in the game, including Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros.
Paramor ruled against the legendary Spaniard at the 1994 Volvo Masters, where Ballesteros was looking to get rid of a difficult lie he said was caused by a “burrowing animal”.
In 1989, Paramor became the Umpire-in-Chief of the European Tour, and his work with the R&A and the United States Golf Association influenced many significant changes in the rules of the sport.
DP World Tour Managing Director Keith Pelley said: “Legend is a word that is overused in the sport but, in terms of golf and administering the rules of our sport, it fits John Paramor perfectly.
“Quite simply, he was a leader in his field, the guru of referees and someone who commanded the absolute respect of players and peers alike.”
Paramor has retired from their role at the 2020 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. He had been ill for some time before his death on Thursday.
Pelley added, “He was a great character in every way – his physical stature, his in-game stature, and his popularity with anyone who shared a dinner or social occasion with him.”
Fellow referee Andy McFee said: “What a man JP was and what a life he led.
“He left us now, but he left us when he was full of his favorite things after lunch a la John yesterday – garlic snails, rare steak and good red wine. He leaves us full memories.”
Paramor’s death will be marked by a minute’s silence during round three of tomorrow’s DP World Tour Thailand Classic in Bangkok.
He is survived by his wife Katie and their three children and five grandchildren.
