Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a celebrated member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 88. Renowned for his dynamic presence both on and off the golf course, Rodriguez’s passing on August 8 marks the end of an era for one of golf’s most colorful and impactful figures.
Rodriguez, whose charismatic performances included his iconic “sword dance”—where he would brandish his golf club and sheath it as though it were a sword—enchanted fans throughout his career. But beyond his showmanship, Rodriguez was equally known for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy.
From his modest beginnings in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez amassed a notable career with 30 victories across the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. He took immense pride in his work with the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida. This foundation, dedicated to helping at-risk youth achieve academic and personal success, was a cornerstone of his life’s work.
In his World Golf Hall of Fame biography, Rodriguez expressed a profound belief in the power of giving: “A man never stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.” Few embodied this sentiment more than Rodriguez, who passed away as the most distinguished golfer ever to come from Puerto Rico.
Rodriguez’s legacy will continue through his Youth Foundation, which annually welcomes 600 children from disadvantaged backgrounds to its facilities, teaching them valuable life skills and fostering a sense of responsibility. His dedication to charitable work earned him the prestigious Bob Jones Award in 1989 and an induction into the World Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
“Chi Chi Rodriguez’s passion for charity and outreach was surpassed only by his incredible talent with a golf club in his hand,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “His vibrant personality and deep commitment to giving back will be profoundly missed by the PGA TOUR and all those whose lives he touched.”
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Rodriguez’s journey began in challenging circumstances. His father, a sugar cane cutter in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, earned just $18 a week, and young Chi Chi joined him in labor at the age of seven. It was during this period of hardship that Rodriguez recognized the potential for athletic talent to open doors otherwise closed.
Initially, Rodriguez used a guava tree branch as a golf club and improvised with tin cans as balls, teaching himself the sport by emulating the actions he observed. After a brief stint in the Army, he turned professional in 1960, transitioning from his makeshift equipment to a full set of golf clubs.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez maintained the spirit of his early days, driven by his unique perspective on life and the game. His playful ritual of covering the hole with his hat after sinking a birdie putt—“to keep the little birdie from flying away”—was a testament to his enduring charm and originality.
From his breakthrough win in 1963 to his final PGA TOUR Champions victory in 1993, Rodriguez lived by the motto of being true to oneself and standing out in the world. His remarkable life and career will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow golfers alike.