John Paramor, rules official and Glen Albaugh, former college golf coach/mental coach, are two of the many colorful characters who make up this wonderful game. Paramor and Albaugh both passed away in recent days.
Paramor, a long-serving chief referee of what is now the DP World Tour has died from cancer at the age 67. Paramor joined the European Tour in 1976, and he retired in October 2020 following the BMW PGA Championship.
Tiger Woods said that he was “one of the best rules officials” in history. John was there when I turned pro. He was a fixture on the European Tour, all the World Golf Championships and was a rules official when he arrived in the United States. He is a wonderful guy. That’s what I was a little surprised to see.
It was so sad to learn of John Paramor’s passing. He was a great man, and a good friend to me and many #golf journalists. His knowledge of the rules greatly improved my understanding. He was patient and understood all my questions. JP, RIP
— Alistair Tait
(@GolfTait) February 17, 2023
Keith Pelley, chief of DP World Tour, praised Paramor in a statement. “I said in 2020, that ‘legend” is a word too often used in sport, but in terms golf and the administrations of our sport it perfectly describes John Paramor. Pelley stated that Paramor was simply a leader in his field and a guru of referees. He also commanded the respect of all his peers and players. He was an enormous character in all aspects, including his physical stature and his game stature. His popularity with everyone who shared dinner with him was evident. He was a strong individual with a passion for his job and Tour as a whole. This shined through in every conversation that we had.
It’s a sad day for golf. One of @DPWorldTour‘s greatest left us today.
RIP Big John.pic.twitter.com/rG8O7oj1oW
— Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (@gfcgolf) February 17, 2023
Shane Lowry, 2019 British Open champion, said, “I was quite shocked, I didn’t realize he was sick. It came as a shock and it’s very sad to everyone.” To be honest, I wish John was out there today. The pace of play might’ve been a bit more. He was a man of great ability to keep the pace of play moving at a good pace.
Tommy Fleetwood, an Englishman, was also added: “He was great to be around. He represented our tour proudly. And he had the respect of all players.”
John Paramor, the chief rules official for the European Tour, watches as the 72nd Open d’Italia at Golf Club Milano takes place on September 17, 2015, in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images).
Paramor answered the question, “How would you like to be remembered?”
“I would really like the first reaction to be smile and then, “Yeah, that was fair.”
Albaugh, 91 was a well-known sport psychologist and he coached the University of Pacific men’s golf team.
Albaugh received a Ph.D. from Utah in education in 1970 after serving in the Army. This led to Albaugh’s appointment as a teacher in the Pacific Physical Education Department in Stockton. Cedrick Dempsey, the athletic director suggested Albaugh be the coach of the golf team. He did this for over 20 years. (The school recently named the short-game area after Albaugh.
Today, Dr. Glen Albaugh, my mentor, passed away. He was an extraordinary person who taught me so many things. pic.twitter.com/K30iti2EGH
Scott McCarron (@ScottMccarron February 17, 2023
Albaugh’s coaching career was not limited to writing. He also started a consulting company that included writers and others like Anne Walker, Stanford’s women’s golf coach, former Pacific grad, and Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Bill Walsh, the San Francisco 49ers’ legendary coach, was also a close friend. Albaugh was also a mentor to pro golfers Scott McCarron, Charlie Wi and Kirk Triplett. Albaugh’s book, “Clutch”, co-written with Eric Jones, about players who perform well under pressure, was published about a year ago.
Albaugh states, “I take John Wooden’s advice: Don’t let what’s impossible interfere with what’s possible.” This is the most important skill you can have as a professional golfer. There are many ways to accomplish something. Instructors try to teach players how to use their skills and what they don’t have.
