Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to legendary golf writer Steve DiMeglio following his death at the age of 63, saying 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 rounds of chemotherapy, for his followers on social media.
Throughout his career as a journalist, DiMeglio was very proud of his relationship with Woods, whom he covered closely since he broke into the professional ranks in 1996.
And following the devastating news of his passing, the 15-time Grand Prix winner led tributes to DiMeglio on social media.
“Unfortunately, the golf world lost part of our family today, dear 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 age 63.
“I was always very close to Steve and we texted and talked about how he needed to keep fighting to get better so we could see each other in the Bahamas last month. And we did. I'm very 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, whom they described as “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 arduous battle with cancer. In the words of our friend Steve, “Go ahead.”
DiMeglio previously covered baseball for USA Today for a couple of years before switching to golf in 2002.
His byline also began appearing under the Golfweek banner in 2019 and continued writing for the publication until 2023.
DiMeglio was a hugely popular figure in sports among players, fans and his fellow writers, including his good friend Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated.
Here everyone knows him. “He's Mr. Golf, USA Today forever,” four-time PGA Tour winner Billy Andrade said of DiMeglio in March after learning he would play in the PGA Tour Champions Cologuard Classic in his honor.
“One of the great guys of all time.”