The golf world lost a beloved figure this week.
Wednesday, reports surfaced that longtime golf writer Steve DiMeglio had passed away after a two-year battle with rectal cancer. He was 63.
DiMeglio covered golf for USA Today, and later Golfweek, since 2000, overlapping with much of Tiger Woods’ prime and golf’s ascendant popularity. Perhaps fittingly, the final tournament DiMeglio covered was the Hero World Challenge in December, Woods’ annual tournament in the Bahamas. Woods released a statement on DiMeglio’s passing on Wednesday afternoon.
“Unfortunately the golf world lost part of our family today, beloved golf writer Steve DiMeglio,” Woods wrote. “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 am so grateful for that. This a very sad day for all of golf. We have truly lost a friend.”
Last month, video circulated on social media of Woods embracing DiMeglio prior to a press conference.
Of course, Woods is far from the only member of the golf community to express their condolences after DiMeglio’s passing. Roxanna Scott, executive editor of USA Today Sports, said of DiMeglio, “He had a passion for golf that was reflected in his writing and all of the relationships he built through the years. I loved seeing the video of Steve being greeted by Tiger in the Bahamas last month. I’m sure that meant a lot to Steve. We will all miss Steve’s thoughtfulness, his updates on his sports bets and his wonderful storytelling.”
Many others took to social media to share their sympathies.
Clearly, DiMeglio had a positive impact on so many in the golf community throughout his long career. He will be dearly missed.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.