The golf world mourns the loss of Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a trailblazer in the sport and a dedicated philanthropist. Rodriguez died on August 8, 2024, at the age of 88.
A native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez was widely recognized for his flashy style on the golf course and his relentless commitment to aiding disadvantaged youth.
Rodriguez, born on October 23, 1936, was the second eldest of six children in a family that faced financial hardships. He developed his love for golf playing amidst the sugar cane fields of Puerto Rico, using a guava tree branch as a club and a tin can as a ball. By the age of 12, he boasted a score of 67, showcasing his innate golfing talent.
Rodriguez served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, then turned professional and joined the PGA Tour in 1960. During his 21-year career, he claimed eight PGA Tour victories, starting with the 1963 Denver Open in Colorado. His vivacious personality and signature “matador routine,” where he would spin his club like a sword, made him a crowd favorite. “Chi Chi’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.
Rodriguez also found success on the Senior PGA Tour (now known as the PGA Tour Champions), where he won 22 tournaments between 1985 and 2002. His career earnings exceeded $7.6 million, reflecting his remarkable skill on the golf course.
Outside of his golfing career, Rodriguez was a devoted philanthropist. In 1979, he co-founded the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida. The organization, in collaboration with Pinellas County Schools and the First Tee program, uses golf as a tool to teach life skills to at-risk youth.
In 1998, Rodriguez survived a severe heart attack, medically referred to as a “widow-maker.” Despite this health setback, he continued to play golf for several more years before concentrating on his philanthropic efforts. In Puerto Rico, Rodriguez was involved in a golf community project and hosted a local radio talk show.
Rodriguez was welcomed into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992, a highlight in his distinguished career. He is survived by his wife of nearly six decades, Iwalani, and his stepdaughter, Donnette.
The legacy of Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez will endure, not only for his advancements in golf but also for his unwavering dedication to community service. His life stands as a powerful example of the impact that determination, generosity, and a love for the game can have.
