Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to legendary golf writer Steve DiMeglio following his death at the age of 63. He claims the sport has lost “part of our family.”
DiMeglio, who was a regular at PGA Tour events for nearly two decades, died this week after a battle with rectal cancer that had spread to his liver.
After being diagnosed in 2022, the former USA Today reporter bravely documented his journey with the disease, which included dozens of chemotherapy treatments, for his social media followers.
Throughout his career as a journalist, DiMeglio was most proud of his relationship with Woods, which he followed closely since breaking into the professional ranks in 1996.
And following the devastating news of his death, the 15-time major winner led tributes to DiMeglio on social media.
“Sadly, the golf world lost part of our family today, beloved golf writer Steve DiMeglio,” Woods wrote.
Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to legendary golf writer Steve DiMeglio (left)
DiMeglio, pictured with Lexi Thompson and politician Edna Kenny, died this week at the age of 63
“I always had a really good relationship with Steve and we would text and talk about how he had to keep fighting to get better so we could see each other in the Bahamas last month. And we did. I am so grateful for that.
“This is a very sad day for all of golf. We have truly lost a friend.”
The PGA Tour also mourned the loss of DiMeglio, who they said was “beloved by players” for his “humor and love of the game.”
“The PGA TOUR joins the golf world in mourning the loss of our friend, golf journalist Steve DiMeglio,” their statement read.
“A fixture at TOUR events for nearly two decades and beloved by players, he inspired us all with his unique perspective, humor and love of the game, even amid his recent tough battle with cancer. In the words of our friend Steve: “Forward.”’
DiMeglio previously covered baseball for USA Today for a few years before switching to golf in 2002.
His byline also appeared under the Golfweek banner in 2019, and he continued writing for the publication until 2023.
DiMeglio was a hugely popular figure in sports with players, fans and his fellow writers, including close friend Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated.
‘Everyone knows him here. He is forever Mr. Golf, USA Today,” four-time PGA Tour winner Billy Andrade said of DiMeglio in March after learning he was playing in the PGA Tour Champions’ Cologuard Classic in his honor.
“One of the all-time great guys.”