Parel was born in Pontiac, Michigan.[1] He graduated from the University of Georgia[1] but did not play college golf.[2] He worked for 10 years as a computer programmer and database administrator after college before becoming a professional golfer.[2]
Parel has played only five PGA Tour events, making the cut only once, a T-57 at 2006 BellSouth Classic. He qualified for the U.S. Open twice, in 2002 and 2005.
In November 2018, Parel finished third in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup, earning a $300,000 bonus.
On April 1, 2019, Parel lost a seven-hole playoff at the Rapiscan Systems Classic in Mississippi to Kevin Sutherland. The playoff was held over two days because play had to be suspended on Sunday March 31, 2019 due to darkness.[4]
Sutherland and Parel faced off in a playoff again in June 2019 at the Principal Charity Classic with Sutherland winning on the second extra hole.[5]
In February 2020, Parel overcame a three-shot deficit Sunday and closed with an 8-under 63 to win the Chubb Classic by two shots over Bob Estes, his third career victory on the PGA Tour Champions to surpass $5 million for his career.[6]
