Golf World Mourns Steve DiMeglio, Legendary USA Today Writer Who Earned Tiger's Trust

Golf World Mourns Steve DiMeglio, Legendary USA Today Writer Who Earned Tiger's Trust

By Michael Thompson

January 2, 2025 at 06:12 AM

Steve DiMeglio, beloved golf writer for USA Today and Golfweek, passed away at 63 in his Ponte Vedra Beach apartment after battling colon cancer. Known affectionately as "DiMegs," he was a trusted figure in the golf world, particularly respected for his relationship with Tiger Woods and other prominent players.

![Steve DiMeglio with Rickie Fowler in 2016](getty images)

As a dedicated 8-handicap golfer, DiMeglio developed deep connections throughout the sport. Standing at 5-foot-5 with a trim goatee and distinctive swept-back hair, he brought authenticity and insight to golf journalism. His work for USA Today made him particularly influential, as the publication was considered the bible of the PGA Tour before the internet era.

DiMeglio's reporting style combined economy, speed, and accuracy with deep historical knowledge. He covered both men's and women's tours with equal dedication, maintaining professional relationships while earning the trust of players like Dottie Pepper, Paula Creamer, and Lexi Thompson.

His expertise extended beyond golf, having previously covered major league baseball. A voracious reader and keen observer, DiMeglio was known for his direct questioning style and ability to elicit detailed responses from players, particularly Tiger Woods. Despite his close relationships with golf's biggest names, he maintained his journalistic integrity, focusing on athletes' professional lives while respecting their privacy.

Woods himself acknowledged DiMeglio's passing, noting that "the golf world lost part of our family today." This sentiment was echoed throughout the golf community, where DiMeglio was known for his unpretentious nature, thoughtful reporting, and dedication to the sport he loved.

Never married and without children, DiMeglio made the golf beat his life's work. He was supported through his illness by Tour media officials who became like family, checking on him regularly during his 30-month health battle. His legacy lives on through his contributions to golf journalism and the relationships he built throughout his career.

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