The world of golf pays tribute to John Paramor

The golfing world has been paying tribute to John Paramor, who passed away on Friday at the age of 67.

John was one of the most respected rules officials in the history of the game and a hugely popular figure across the entire European Tour group family.

His remarkable career spanned six different decades, during which time he became one of the most recognisable figures in the game, and he was remembered with black ribbons and a minute's silence over the weekend at the Thailand Classic.

Here is what some of the leading players in the world had to say on John's life and legacy in the game of golf.

"One the all-time best rules officials. John was around when I first turned pro and then a staple on the European Tour and all the World Golf Championships when he came over and was a rules official. He was just a great guy." - Tiger Woods

"Even before I came on Tour, John was a beloved character within the game of golf and I got to know him quite well over the past few years and it's really sad. 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 will be very fondly remembered by the whole golf community." - Rory McIlroy

"It came as a shock to me and it's very sad for everyone and obviously very sad for his family and everyone on the DP World Tour. He was always a great man at keeping the pace of play going well and he was a great referee and just a great person." - Shane Lowry

"He was such a staple part of the Tour and someone that you looked up to. I can't actually remember when it was but I'm sure I remember having a ruling off him, no matter what it was, the first time I ever got one. He was a great person to be around." - Tommy Fleetwood

"John was Head Referee when I came out and as a young player I think, more importantly than he was a referee and a member of staff at the Tour, he very easily became a father figure for a lot of younger players when they came out. I can't think of anyone within the European Tour group that has put an imprint on the game of golf as much as John Paramor and that probably says the most about him. He did a lot for the game of golf but he lived it well and he was always part of our family and he will always be a part of our hearts in the future." - Thomas Bjørn

"JP was one of the best. Always fair but firm in his refereeing and would join you in a glass of red or 2 in the evening. RIP John." - Darren Clarke

"Very sad to hear of the passing of JP as he was known to us all. The world of golf will miss a great referee and a fine man. My thoughts are with Katie and his family." - Colin Montgomerie