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Longtime PGA Tour writer Steve DiMeglio, whose byline graced the pages of USA TODAY and then Golfweek for decades, was reported to have died at his home Tuesday or Wednesday in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He was 63.
DiMeglio was diagnosed in 2022 with rectal cancer that had spread to his liver. He was open throughout his treatment, which included dozens of doses of chemotherapy – he would keep track of the doses by citing the numbers worn by sports legends. He often shared his progress and sometimes bravely shared his pain with followers on social media in the hope he might inspire somebody to sign up for a cancer screening or simply to stay in touch with his many friends in the world of golf. The American Cancer Society recently profiled DiMeglio with a touching video shot at TPC Sawgrass, detailing his battle.
A graduate of Mankato West High School in Minnesota and later Minnesota State University, DiMeglio began his professional career as a journalist in 1994 at the Palm Springs Desert Sun. He moved to media company Gannett in 1999, joined Gannett’s USA TODAY in 2000 and a couple years later took over as the full-time golf beat writer. Gannett acquired Golfweek in 2016, and DiMeglio’s byline began to appear under the Golfweek banner in 2019. He continued to write for Golfweek until 2023.
“Steve was a longtime golf reporter at USA TODAY who covered baseball for years before he changed beats. He was incredibly plugged in, had some of the best sources in the sport and would do anything you asked as an editor,” said Roxanna Scott, executive editor of USA TODAY Sports. “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.”
DiMeglio covered all the greats of his era on both the men’s and women’s professional tours. Even during his cancer battle, he continued to stay in touch with many players, and their support buoyed his spirits. He traveled to a few tournaments over the past year, most recently the Hero World Challenge in December in the Bahamas. He mentioned on social media that he was thrilled to be able to chat with some of his favorite players including Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, Jason Day and caddie Joey LaCava.
“Everybody knows him out here. He’s Mr. Golf, USA Today forever,” four-time PGA Tour winner Billy Andrade said in March after learning he was playing in the PGA Tour Champions’ Cologuard Classic in DiMeglio’s honor. “One of the great guys of all time.”
DiMeglio was a popular figure in media rooms and was close friends with many writers, tour officials and administrators. He and Sports Illustrated writer Bob Harig, in particular, were tight, and their banter on social media was always a great follow. Harig and several other writers were among the first to hear of DiMeglio’s passing and shared the news with the Golf Writers Association of America.
Even after departing Golfweek following his diagnosis, DiMeglio remained engaged. He would often contact the writer of this obituary with a tip or a critique, and his messages were always welcome. Simply put, it was just great to hear from somebody who poured so much passion and pride into his work. Steve will be missed dearly by former co-workers and his legions of friends around the game.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Steve DiMeglio, longtime USA TODAY and Golfweek writer, dies at 63
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