Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer who overcame poverty in Puerto Rico, passed away at 88, the PGA Tour announced on Thursday. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan praised Rodriguez as a vibrant and colorful figure who deeply impacted many lives through his charitable work.
Over a 30-year career, Rodriguez secured 37 professional wins, including eight PGA Tour titles and 22 senior tour victories. He began with makeshift clubs on baseball fields and worked as a caddy before enlisting in the US Army.
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Known for his entertaining style, he celebrated birdies with dramatic gestures. Rodriguez joined the PGA Tour in 1960, won his first title in 1963, and his last PGA Tour Champions title in 1993.
