Golf mourns the passing of legendary tour referee John Paramor

John Paramor, the DP World Tour’s former chief referee, whose career spanned six decades, died last month aged 67.

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

A competent golfer in his own right, John was a former Surrey amateur champion, but his natural interest in golf’s rules book led him to specialise as a referee and the sight of him on the fairways soon become commonplace at European Tour events and Major Championships around the world throughout his storied career.

John joined the DP World Tour as an administrator in 1976, having previously spent a year working as a caddie for Peter Butler. He went on to become the tour’s chief referee in 1989 and through his work with the R&A and USGA became a central figure in changes to the Rules of Golf over the years, as well as the Tour’s own policies, including its updated approach to Pace of Play in 2016.

In a statement released shortly after his death, the DP World Tour said it was “deeply saddened by the passing 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.”

John’s passing was marked with a minute’s silence during the third round of the 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

Prostate Cancer UK is calling on golfers across the UK to grab their clubs, round up their friends and colleagues, and take on The Big Golf Race, the charity’s flagship 72hole in a day golfing challenge, to raise money to help beat the most common cancer in men.

This year, the leading men’s health charity is urging golfers to join them and to help save dads, grandads,

Golfers willing to take on The Big Golf Race have three options: for the more adventurous, the Marathon - which consists of four rounds and 26 miles of walking in a single day – may pose a worthy challenge, and for a more relaxed day of fundraising, the Half Marathon (two rounds) is an option. But, for those who really want to push themselves, the Ultra Marathon – 100 holes and 35 miles of walking – is a new, challenging addition for 2023.

Players are encouraged to ditch their buggies and tackle the challenge on foot, either in pairs or a four-ball, with a prize of an overnight golfing break at The Belfry, including two rounds of golf for four people, up for grabs for the top

Since 2020, over 7,500 golfers have answered Prostate Cancer UK’s call, raising an incredible £2 million to date, with a clutch of celebrities and the sport’s biggest names supporting the challenge.

As well as recruiting golfers across the country, Prostate Cancer UK will be working alongside partners such as The PGA and The London Club, encouraging them to host Big Golf Race challenges for their members and visitors this summer. The London Club is teeing off their season of support by hosting its own 36-hole half-marathon golfing challenge on its International course this April for their members and visitors taking on The Big Golf Race.

Nicola Tallett, Director of Fundraising & Supporter Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted with how many golfers, clubs and partners have embraced The Big Golf Race and helped to build it into a fun yet challenging way of helping to beat prostate cancer.

It’s a disease killing one man every 45 minutes – roughly the time it takes to play three holes of golf – and it sadly exists in every golf club. But with the support of golfers like Rob, his friends and the thousands of others like them who have conquered The Big Golf Race, we’re able to continue to fund research into better tests and treatment for prostate cancer and keep men in the game for longer.”

To join Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race, visit prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/golf/the-big-golf-race.

■ THE RECENTLY REFURBISHED SPORTS BAR HAS A CONTEMPORARY AND RELAXED FEEL TO IT