Eight-time PGA Tour champion and Hall of Famer Chi Chi Rodriguez dies at 88

World Golf Hall of Fame member Chi Chi Rodriguez passed away at the age of 88 on August 8. Rodriguez had an impressive career with eight title wins on the PGA Tour while also becoming the first golfer from Puerto Rico to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, an honor he received in 1992.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan released a statement on the passing of Chi Chi Rodriguez. Remembering the "vibrant" golfer, the commissioner expressed his condolences to the Puerto Rican's family during this difficult time. Monahan said (via PGA Tour):

"Chi Chi Rodriguez’s passion for charity and outreach was surpassed only by his incredible talent with a golf club in his hand. 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.”

Chi Chi Rodriguez was an inspiration to young golfers. Despite being born into a poor family, he never gave up on his dream of pursuing golf as a career. During his childhood, he would use guava tree branches to play golf. The self-taught talent started playing professionally in 1960 and had a highly successful career.

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All about Chi Chi Rodriguez

Chi Chi Rodriguez was born on October 23, 1935, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He came from a poor family began working at the age of seven as a water carrier on a sugar plantation to help support his family. He became interested in golf and later became a caddie.

Rodriguez started playing golf using a guava tree branch as a golf club and a metal can as a golf ball. Through practice and hard work, he improved his skills, and at the age of 12, he played an impressive round of 67.

In 1954, Rodriguez joined the United States Army before turning professional six years later in 1960. He went on to play on the PGA Tour, where he won eight tournaments, with his first victory coming at the 1963 Denver Open Invitational.

The Puerto Rican famously defeated the legendary Arnold Palmer to win the 1964 Western Open, which was his second PGA Tour title of the year, having previously won the Lucky International Open. After becoming eligible for the Senior Tour, Chi Chi Rodriguez competed on the PGA Tour Champions, where he won 22 events.

Throughout his successful career, Rodriguez received numerous accolades, including the Old Tom Morris Award in 1989, the Bob Jones Award in 1989, and the Senior PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award in 1986 and 1987.

He represented both Puerto Rico and United States in team events, winning the Ryder Cup with the latter in 1973.