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

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

An accomplished 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.

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).

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.”