On Tuesday the golf world lost a legend.
Tim Rosaforte, golf’s first true insider who rose to popularity on Golf Channel and NBC Sports after stints at the numerous Florida newspapers as well as Sports Illustrated and Golf World/Golf Digest, died Tuesday of Alzheimer’s Disease. The Jupiter, Florida, resident was 66.
Before his death, Rosaforte became the first journalist to be named an honorary member of the PGA of America, and his hometown PGA Tour stop, the Honda Classic, named its media room after Rosaforte and created the Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Writers’ Award.
Rosaforte meant a lot to even more people, and the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam and countless colleagues all took to social media to pay their respects.
More: Saying goodbye to Tim Rosaforte, a best friend and a perfectionist
Jack Nicklaus
Many hearts, including Barbara’s & mine, hurt today after the passing of our friend Tim Rosaforte. Tim had a wonderful ability to develop trust from so many, and because of that—plus his work ethic—if there was an important story to be told in golf, Tim usually reported it first. pic.twitter.com/VbTSbaj5az
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) January 11, 2022
Gary Player
My deepest condolences to Tim Rosaforte’s family and friends during this difficult time. Kind, trusted, and relentless at his craft, Tim was truly a generational talent and one of the greatest golf journalists the business has ever seen. Rest in peace, Tim. pic.twitter.com/o3XJB52MAo
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) January 12, 2022
David Duval
Tremendously sad to hear of Tim Rosaforte passing. Abundantly kind and fair to all he came across. Blessed to have known him my entire career. More blessed to call him my friend. We all just lost a beautiful person.
— David Duval (@david59duval) January 11, 2022
Annika Sorenstam
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Tim Rosaforte. I had known him for many years and always respected the way he went about his business. He was trusted by everyone. His word was gold. He worked hard, but had a soft side. He will be greatly missed. RIP Rosie
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) January 12, 2022
LPGA
We are sad to hear of the passing of Tim Rosaforte. Tim was an incredible journalist and a great advocate for golf. He will be missed.
We extend our condolences to Tim’s family and friends. https://t.co/rcV5SMKO6o
— LPGA (@LPGA) January 11, 2022
Ernie Els
Saddened to hear of Tim Rosaforte’s passing today. A brilliant journalist, a great friend and shared many life discussions …I will never forget you Tim.
— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) January 12, 2022
Tom Watson
Tim Rosaforte was one of the very good golf writers. Will miss this gentle man and his love for his trade. https://t.co/wqqFQGZ21H
— Tom Watson (@TomWatsonPGA) January 12, 2022
Graeme McDowell
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
Peter Kostis
From the first time I met Tim Rosaforte in S. FL. in the early 80’s as a writer for the Sun Sentinel, all the way through his terrific career in golf, he never changed. No matter how successful he became, he was still Rosie. Honest, thoughtful and humble. RIP my friend.
— Peter Kostis (@peterjkostis) January 12, 2022
NBA player Chris Paul
Since 2009 second to only Bball, I’ve watched more golf than anything…prayers to Tim Rosaforte’s family 🙏🏾. Although I’d never met him I listened to and watched him all the time. Was always full of energy and kept me engaged as a fan of golf!!
— Chris Paul (@CP3) January 11, 2022
Rich Beem
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
Kevin Na
Rest in peace Tim Rosaforte. We will miss you!
— Kevin Na (@kevinna915) January 11, 2022
Fred Couples
I like the media. I love Tim Rosaforte @GolfChannel
— fredcouplesgolf (@fredcouplesgolf) January 11, 2022
Damon Hack
Tim Rosaforte was the ultimate reporter and teammate, a friend who never blinked when you needed help. He was tough and vulnerable, serious and witty. He was real. Thank you, Rosie. Blessed to have known you and to have followed in your large footsteps. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ptmrVObJB0
— Damon Hack (@damonhackGC) January 11, 2022
Rich Lerner
Our colleague Tim Rosaforte passed away today after a battle with aggressive Alzheimer’s. Just 66. Beloved in golf. Broke stories, but never his word. Unselfish, tough but tender, trusted friend who’d do anything for you, a genuinely good soul. May his memory be a blessing.
— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) January 11, 2022
Brandel Chamblee
Just got off the course & crestfallen to hear the news of Tim Rosaforte’s passing. Our stage manager, Alex Andrews, tells a story abt Rosy, that anytime someone new was on set, he would quietly ask her for their name, so he could address them properly. He was all class. Sad day.
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) January 11, 2022
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