You may have noticed it if you follow the tournament on the antennas of Golf+, the players almost all have a small purple ribbon, (like Paul Barjon here) attached to their cap. This initiative was taken to pay tribute to a famous Golf Channel journalist who died on Tuesday.
New York native Tim Rosaforte began his career as a sports editor at regional newspaper editions in Florida, before moving to magazines including Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest.
He made numerous appearances on the Golf Channel during the late 1990s, before officially joining the channel in 2007. Affable, he was much appreciated by players and his colleagues for his professionalism and kindness.
Rosaforte has covered dozens of major tournaments, 17 Ryder Cups. Upon hearing the news of his death, at age 66 from Alzheimer’s disease, players paid tribute to him by posting numerous messages.
Tim was one of the best at what he did. He lifted those up around him and shared insight into the game of golf from an interesting and positive point of view. He will be remembered by so many he came in contact with and we are all better for having known him. RIP Tim https://t.co/lBDMFqaVhc
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) January 12, 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
Awful, awful news. RIP, Rosie ???? https://t.co/sduDAK71Un
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) January 11, 2022
Terrible news to hear today. Tim was an amazing reporter and a respected journalist. Had a lot of great conversations throughout the few years I was on tour. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family today. https://t.co/jAlOLEYbm9
— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) January 12, 2022
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
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
Past president of the Golf Writers Association of America, he was the first journalist to receive a lifetime membership of the PGA of America.
