Legendary golfer Juan “Chi-Chi” Rodriguez, known for his vibrant personality and remarkable skills, has passed away at the age of 88. Rodriguez, who achieved significant success on the PGA Tour with eight victories between 1963 and 1979, was a beloved figure both on and off the course. His death was announced by Carmelo Javier Ríos, a senator from Rodriguez’s native Puerto Rico.
Rodriguez’s impact on the golf world extended beyond his playing achievements. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan highlighted Rodriguez’s dedication to charity and outreach, noting that his colorful personality and passion for giving back were as memorable as his talent with a golf club.
Monahan expressed deep condolences on behalf of the PGA Tour, emphasizing how much Rodriguez will be missed by the golfing community and those he helped through his charitable efforts.
Rodriguez’s humble beginnings in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, played a significant role in shaping his career. He learned the game by improvising with tin cans and a guava tree stick before becoming a caddie as a child. His dedication and talent led him to turn professional at the age of 25 in 1960, and he quickly made his mark by winning his first PGA Tour event, the Denver Open, in 1963.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez continued to achieve success, securing a total of eight PGA Tour victories, with his final win coming at the Tallahassee Open in 1979. His success extended to the Senior PGA Tour, where he won 22 events, including two major championships—the Senior Tournament Players Championship in 1986 and the General Foods PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1987.
Beyond his accomplishments on the course, Rodriguez was deeply committed to giving back to the community. He founded the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation at the Glen Oaks Golf Course in Clearwater, Florida, which provides afterschool programs for children from low-income families or broken homes.
The foundation allows these children to develop golf skills while learning valuable life lessons about responsibility and work ethic, reflecting Rodriguez’s lifelong dedication to using golf as a means of positive change.
