Longtime Golf Journalist Tim Rosaforte Has Died

The writer covered more than 125 majors and 17 Ryder Cups in his career.

Tim Rosaforte, a former golf writer for Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest, died Tuesday of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 66 years old. 

In his career, Rosaforte covered more than 125 majors and 17 Ryder Cups, according to the PGA Tour. He was once president of the Golf Writers Association of America and received the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism in 2014.

Rosaforte was known as a golf insider for his work with the Golf Channel, which began in earnest in 2007 after appearing on the network in its early years. 

“The PGA Tour family lost a friend today in Tim Rosaforte, one of the great golf journalists of his generation,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. “Tim was an amazing storyteller and spent much of his energy showcasing what sets golf apart from other sports—the people and the personalities.

“A true professional, Tim always treated our organization and our athletes fairly, writing and speaking with an opinion, but without an agenda. He never stopped working the phones, ensuring that he not only got the story first, he got the story right, Those phone calls—and Tim’s gentle spirit—will be missed tremendously by all of us lucky enough be a part of the greater golf community.”

In 2020, a year after he retired, Rosaforte became the first journalist to receive a lifetime PGA membership. 

A native of Mount Kisco, N.Y., Rosaforte graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a journalism degree in 1977. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and three grandchildren.

My heart aches at the passing of @Rosafortegolf. A true gentleman and ambassador of the game of golf. He will be missed. Condolences to his wife and girls. pic.twitter.com/vpP6oi9B7Z

— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) January 11, 2022

Tim Rosaforte was a great man who loved the sport of golf. He will be dearly missed. https://t.co/8YaQu1gWDM

— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) January 11, 2022

My heart breaks hearing the news about Tim Rosaforte.

The golf world knew him as a sincere, fair and thorough journalist.

I’m thankful to have known him as a friend. We love you forever, Rosie. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/ocZWcXf9ip

— Lisa Cornwell (@LisaMCornwell) January 11, 2022

Sad to hear the passing of Tim Rosaforte. He was such a good dude to me in both of my jobs, as a player and pundit. Loved this picture he took with my dad at the 2013 PGA. pic.twitter.com/AVQgihm3QN

— Rich Beem (@beemerpga) January 11, 2022

Tim Rosaforte was a great friend to the game.

Everyone at the USGA extends our deepest condolences to the entire Rosaforte family. https://t.co/C1pgYbKBQz pic.twitter.com/f9NB57xFkx

— USGA (@USGA) January 11, 2022

Rest in peace Tim Rosaforte. We will miss you!

— Kevin Na (@kevinna915) January 11, 2022