World Golf Hall of Famer Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez passed away Thursday at the age of 88, the PGA Tour confirmed.
Rodriguez, who was born in Rio Pedras, Puerto Rico, won eight times on the PGA Tour in a career that spanned two decades. His best finish at a major tournament was a tie for sixth at the 1981 U.S. Open, and he earned two top 10s at the Masters in 1970 and 1973.
Rodriguez was also part of the winning United States squad at the 1973 Ryder Cup. He went on to win 22 events in a seven-year span on the Senior PGA Tour from 1986-1993.
The first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Rodriguez also became well-known for his Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Florida to benefit at-risk youth.
“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 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.”
We’d like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Rodriguez’s family and friends during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
