The golfing world has lost one of its brightest stars. Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, the Hall of Fame golfer whose flair on the greens and heartwarming personal story made him a beloved figure in the sport, passed away on Thursday at the age of 88.
Rodriguez’s death was confirmed by Carmelo Javier Ríos, a senator from Rodriguez’s native Puerto Rico. The cause of death was not disclosed.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan paid tribute to Rodriguez, saying, “Chi Chi Rodriguez’s passion for charity and outreach was surpassed only by his incredible talent with a golf club in his hand. A vibrant, colorful personality both on and off the golf course, he will be missed dearly by the PGA Tour and those whose lives he touched in his mission to give back. The PGA Tour sends its deepest condolences to the entire Rodriguez family during this difficult time.”
Born Juan Antonio Rodriguez in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez grew up in a landscape that was once filled with sugar cane fields. As the second oldest of six children, he helped his father with the harvest, but his true passion lay elsewhere. He learned to play golf by improvising with a guava tree stick and hitting tin cans, eventually becoming a caddie. By the age of 12, he claimed to have already mastered a 67, showcasing his prodigious talent early on.
Rodriguez’s career took off when he joined the PGA Tour in 1960. Over a remarkable 21-year career, he secured eight victories, beginning with the Denver Open in 1963 and culminating with the Tallahassee Open in 1979. His prowess extended to the Champions Tour, where he amassed 22 victories between 1985 and 2002, raking in over $7.6 million in career earnings. He was inducted into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992.
Rodriguez was not just known for his golf skills but also for his entertaining presence on the course. His “matador routine” – twirling his club like a sword – and his celebratory salsa dance after making a birdie putt became his signature moves. His playful imitations of fellow players, always done with good humor, added to his charm and popularity.
In 1998, Rodriguez faced a life-threatening health scare when he experienced a heart attack. “It scared me for the first time,” he recounted in a 1999 interview. Thanks to timely medical intervention, he avoided a heart transplant and made a remarkable recovery. Following this ordeal, he chose to phase out his professional career and dedicate more time to charitable work, including the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida, founded in 1979.
In recent years, Rodriguez returned to Puerto Rico, where he was involved in a golf community project that struggled amid economic challenges. He also hosted a local radio talk show and made appearances at various events. Despite his declining health, he remained a beloved figure, attending the 2008 Puerto Rico Open to greet fans and pose for photos, choosing not to play so as not to detract from younger golfers.
Rodriguez is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Iwalani, and Donnette, his wife’s daughter from a previous marriage. His legacy as a trailblazer in golf, both on and off the course, will continue to inspire future generations.
