Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to legendary golf writer Steve DiMeglio after his death at the age of 63 – claiming the sport has lost ‘part of our family’.

DiMeglio, who was a regular at PGA Tour events for nearly two decades, passed away this week following a battle with rectal cancer that had spread to his liver.

After being diagnosed in 2022, the former USA Today reporter bravely documented his journey with the illness, which included dozens of rounds of chemotherapy, to his followers on social media.

Throughout his career as a journalist, DiMeglio was proudest of his relationship with Woods, whom he covered closely ever since he broke into the professional ranks in 1996.

And following the devastating news of his passing, the 15-time major winner led the tributes to DiMeglio on social media.

‘Unfortunately the golf world lost part of our family today, beloved golf writer Steve DiMeglio,’ Woods wrote.

Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to legendary golf writer Steve DiMeglio (left)

DiMeglio, pictured with Lexi Thompson and politician Edna Kenny, died this week aged 63

‘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.’

The PGA Tour also mourned the loss of DiMeglio, who they described as being ‘beloved by players’ because of his ‘humor and love of the game’.

‘The PGA TOUR joins the golf world in mourning the loss of our friend, golf journalist Steve DiMeglio,’ their statement read.

‘A fixture at TOUR events for nearly two decades and beloved by players, he inspired us all with his unique perspective, humor and love of the game, even in the midst of his recent, arduous battle with cancer. In the words of our friend Steve, “Onward.”’

DiMeglio previously covered baseball for USA Today for a couple of years before making the switch to golf in 2002.

His byline also began appearing under the Golfweek banner in 2019, and he continued writing for the publication until 2023.

DiMeglio was a hugely popular figure in the sport with players, fans and his fellow writers, including good friend Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated.

‘Everybody knows him out here. He’s Mr. Golf, USA Today forever,’ four-time PGA Tour winner Billy Andrade said about DiMeglio in March after learning he was playing in the PGA Tour Champions’ Cologuard Classic in his honor.

‘One of the great guys of all time.’