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. 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…

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 1, 2025

“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.

Tiger Woods has arrived 🐅

The tournament host greets longtime friend and golf writer @Steve_DiMeglio, who has been battling cancer. pic.twitter.com/BSoYdNGQyB

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 3, 2024

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.

R.I.P., Steve DiMeglio. Your cancer battle inspired so many. Golf loses a wonderful advocate and journalist. Humanity loses a really good soul. Close pals for over 2 decades, we debated plenty of issues, but always with healthy respect. Even gave me his mom’s lasagna recipe! 💔 pic.twitter.com/J6BA1xfvNM

— Dottie Pepper (@dottie_pepper) January 1, 2025

Steve DiMeglio fought cancer with humor and a tireless resolve. He made every media center better. RIP Steve pic.twitter.com/1uIQmDStxw

— Rex Hoggard (@RexHoggardGC) January 1, 2025

Just the best. Rest in peace, @Steve_DiMeglio ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cgHEgqQxTq

— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) January 1, 2025

The one thing all of golf agreed on was that we wanted to see @Steve_DiMeglio win his match vs cancer. No one in the sport had a larger gallery over the past two years. Steve will be forever remembered as a major champion….as a writer, laugh and a friend. ❤️ @USATODAY pic.twitter.com/TAea3K2bko

— LeslieAnne Wade (@LeslieAnneWade) January 1, 2025

My heart is heavy today. Steve DiMeglio was, quite literally, one of a kind. A friend to everyone. Like so many others, I’ll really miss him. pic.twitter.com/KG4uaaqPLl

— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) January 1, 2025

Was just with Steve at Tiger’s event in the Bahamas. Was doing his best to try and get better. Just last week we texted and I asked how he was doing. “Not great but I feel worse when reading one of your stories.” Nobody took more grief – and dished it out – than Dimegs. One of a… https://t.co/sRJH5gYQ8k

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) January 1, 2025

Sad day for the golfing world. Steve DiMeglio was one of the most well liked and respected people in the media. We had a great relationship and I always loved our banter back and forth. Even with what he was going through, he kept his spirit about him and would still give me a…

— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) January 1, 2025

Clearly, DiMeglio had a positive impact on so many in the golf community throughout his long career. He will be dearly missed.

[USA Today]