Rodriguez secured eight victories on the PGA Tour.
Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, the beloved golfer celebrated for his joyful spirit, passed away on Thursday at the age of 88. His passing was announced by Carmelo Javier RÃos, a senator from Puerto Rico, though no cause of death was mentioned.
“Chi Chi Rodriguez’s commitment to charity and community was only outshone by his extraordinary golfing prowess,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement. “He was a lively and colorful figure both on and off the course, and he will be greatly missed by the PGA Tour and all the lives he impacted through his generous spirit. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Rodriguez family during this challenging time.”
Rodriguez achieved remarkable success, winning eight titles on the PGA Tour and 22 on the Champions Tour, and he was inducted into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992. However, his story goes beyond his victories, highlighting the inspiration and joy he brought to those around him.
Rodriguez was born on October 23, 1935, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, where he helped his father in the sugar cane fields as a child. He learned to play golf using sticks from guava trees as clubs and tin cans as balls. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, he continued to play golf whenever he could.
He turned professional in 1960 and claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the 1963 Denver Open. Rodriguez became a standout personality on the Tour, known for his unique celebrations, which included waving his club like a sword, cleaning it, and then tucking it away.
