Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a pioneering figure in golf and a beloved philanthropist, passed away on August 8, 2024, at 88. Rodriguez, who hailed from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, was renowned for his flamboyant style on the course and his tireless dedication to helping at-risk youth.
Born on October 23, 1936, Rodriguez was the second oldest of six children in a family that struggled to make ends meet. Growing up amidst the sugar cane fields of Puerto Rico, Rodriguez learned to play golf with a guava tree branch and a tin can. By 12, he claimed he could shoot a 67, demonstrating his natural talent for the sport.
After serving in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, Rodriguez turned professional and joined the PGA Tour in 1960. Over his 21-year career, he secured eight PGA Tour victories, starting with the 1963 Denver Open. His exuberant personality and signature “matador routine,” where he would twirl his club like a sword, made him a fan favorite. “Chi Chi’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.
Rodriguez’s success extended to the Senior PGA Tour (now the PGA Tour Champions), where he won 22 tournaments between 1985 and 2002. His total career earnings exceeded $7.6 million, a testament to his prowess on the course.
In addition to his golfing accomplishments, Rodriguez was a committed philanthropist. In 1979, he co-founded the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida. The foundation, which partners with Pinellas County Schools and the First Tee program, uses golf to teach life skills to at-risk youth.
Rodriguez survived a severe heart attack in 1998, which doctors described as a “widow-maker.” Despite the health scare, he returned to the course for a few more years before focusing on his philanthropic work. In Puerto Rico, he was a partner in a golf community project and hosted a local radio talk show.
Rodriguez was inducted into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992, a crowning achievement in his storied career. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Iwalani, and his stepdaughter, Donnette.
Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez’s legacy will be remembered not only for his contributions to golf but also for his unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. His life is an inspiring reminder of the impact one person can have through determination, generosity, and a love for the game.
