Steve DiMeglio, the son of a history professor, possessed an extensive understanding of golf. Having had the opportunity to tag along with him at a PGA Tour event, it was evident that he was well-liked, as he greeted friends—players, caddies, and reporters alike—with a cheerful “Hey, big fella!” and a fist bump every few steps.

Friends would often tease him about his short stature, but he would respond with his sharp wit and playful demeanor.

Though he held strong opinions, he approached his evaluations with fairness. He was helpful to friends but also had a knack for saving money, opting to share rides to events instead of renting a car.

His humor coupled with his support for newcomers like me allowed us to see the world of golf from his perspective during my time as his editor at YSL News and later at Golfweek.

This week, DiMeglio sadly passed away at 63 after a brave battle with cancer, sharing his journey through social media updates. His death resonated deeply within the golf community, with Tiger Woods expressing his sorrow, stating, “Today, the golf world mourns the loss of one of our own, cherished golf writer Steve DiMeglio. Steve and I were very close and had discussed his need to keep fighting. I am thankful we saw each other last month in the Bahamas. It’s a very sad day for all of golf, as we truly lost a friend.”

‘He always found humor in everything, including himself’

Those who worked closely with Steve recognized one of his greatest strengths: his ability to forge connections.

“His network was impressive. He somehow managed to earn the respect of golfers without trying too hard,” shared Reid Cherner, a former sports editor at YSL News. “He was balanced in his approach; he criticized when necessary but always remained within limits. His insights were so informed that as his editor, I rarely had to guide him. He was very self-sufficient.”

Every editor had memorable interactions with Steve. Rachel Shuster, who handled cover stories at YSL News, recalls calling him for assignments.

“His reply was often, ‘Really? You need this right now?’ It became a playful back-and-forth,” she recounted. “I would ask him for something, and he’d grumble but then deliver a complete story that met our needs. I actually looked forward to those exchanges.”

Joe Fleming, who was DiMeglio’s golf editor for many years, first met him over thirty years ago at The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, California.

“Steve had a deep understanding of golf—everything from equipment to history, and he had a good grasp of player strengths and weaknesses,” Fleming noted. “He watched a lot of golf and played it well, though he admitted he wasn’t as consistent as the pros.”

Before joining YSL News, DiMeglio covered politics on Capitol Hill and started in sports by covering baseball after being recruited by Lee Ivory, the former publisher and executive editor at Sports Weekly.

“I recognized his solid journalism skills and his passion for storytelling,” Ivory reflected on what impressed him about DiMeglio. “He embodied all the qualities of a great reporter: honesty, passion, integrity, and a fantastic personality. He had an infectious laugh, and he didn’t take himself too seriously.”

Steve’s knack for humor and friendly teasing made him a beloved figure among his peers. Columnist Christine Brennan from YSL News recalls their playful exchanges while covering tournaments, highlighting their friendly disputes.

Brennan recalls DiMeglio’s lively presence during the Masters, where they often sat side by side for years. “The atmosphere suited him perfectly; he would stroll through the press area, receiving playful jabs and inquiries,” she said.

The aisle was crowded because he had a lot of friends and coworkers eager to chat with him.

“Though he was a golf writer, he could easily run for office on the PGA Tour. He was well-acquainted with everyone and relished the playful banter, the enjoyment, and the teasing. Naturally, everyone adored him too.”

The Masters Cuisine and His Diet Pepsi Collection

Augusta National was a place that DiMeglio cherished, and it’s easy to understand why. The rich history, entrenched traditions, and stunning scenery of the course leave every journalist in awe as they enter.

And let’s not forget the food. DiMeglio was a big fan, as YSL News columnist Nancy Armour recalls.

“Some folks take home golf shirts or flags from the Masters, but DiMeglio brought back caramel corn,” she mentioned.

“Along with pimento cheese sandwiches and peach ice cream sandwiches, the Masters offers a caramel-pecan popcorn that’s absolutely delightful. Imagine Cracker Jack, but multiplied by a thousand. DiMeglio was crazy about it.”

“Whenever he visited the media dining spot, he’d return with a couple of bags. By the end of the day, his backpack would be stuffed with bags of caramel corn and a sandwich or two. The sandwiches were for dinner at the house where the USAT team stayed, complemented by a Diet Pepsi and a cigarette. The caramel corn, however, was saved for home, stashed in his freezer. He once proudly told me he had enough to last until mid-summer.”

Scott Zucker, who supervised DiMeglio’s baseball articles at Sports Weekly, said DiMeglio was renowned for his kindness and would give you the shirt off his back. (He often shared golf shirts or other freebies he received.) “He had this amusing mix of being really frugal yet incredibly generous at the same time,” Zucker chuckled.

Cherner recalls their trip to Las Vegas when DiMeglio opened his suitcase.

“There were hardly any clothes inside. It was crammed with cigarettes and Diet Pepsi,” Cherner remarked. “I’d say to Steve, you do realize you can buy both here in Las Vegas.”

“Steve was truly a funny guy, possessing a fantastic sense of humor about himself.”

I was fortunate to share many laughs with Steve and also to support him during tough times, particularly when he lost both of his parents in recent years. I glimpsed a side of him that was patient, nurturing, and kind. He was a mentor to me in the golf world during 2018, encouraging me during moments of self-doubt.

I texted him from a golf event in 2019, feeling out of place.

“You are NEVER out of place. Enjoy yourself,” he replied.

We will all miss you dearly, big guy. But rest assured, we will always remember your passion for golf and the countless stories you shared with us.