SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Hall of Fame golfer Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Puerto Rico. He was 88.
Rodriguez's death was announced by Carmelo Javier Ríos, a Puerto Rican senator, who didn't provide a cause of death.
Rodriguez was known for his fun antics on the course, such as twirling his club like a sword, or doing a dance when he made a big putt.
Hall of Fame golfer Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Puerto Rico. He was 88.
"Chi Chi Rodriguez's passion for charity and outreach was surpassed only by his incredible talent with a golf club in his hand," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. "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."
Rodriguez was an unlikely golfing star from a humble upbringing in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He had a natural talent for the game, however, and claimed to have shot a 67 by the time he was 12.
Rodriguez joined the PGA Tour in 1960 and won eight times in his 21-year career. He had 22 victories on the Champions Tour from 1985 to 2002.
Rodriguez earned more than $7.6 million in his career. He was inducted into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992.
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