“I drank a bottle of rum before I teed off”: Chi Chi Rodriguez’s iconic quote resurfaces following unfortunate passing at 88

Chi Chi Rodriguez's iconic quotes have resurfaced online following the recent passing of the legendary Puerto Rican golfer. Rodriguez left for the heavenly abode on August 8 at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed by Carmelo Javier Ríos Santiago, a member of the Puerto Rico Senate. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan later released a statement remembering the golfer.

Rodriguez was one of the most successful golfers from Puerto Rico. He won around 37 professional tournaments during his career and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992.

One of his most memorable quotes, recounting his first experience playing at The Masters, recently gained attention online. Rodriguez made his debut at The Masters in 1961 but failed to make the cut. Although he struggled with his game, his positive attitude grabbed people's attention. He said (via Golf Monthly):

"The first time I played The Masters, I was so nervous I drank a bottle of rum before I teed off. I shot the happiest 83 of my life."

Here are some more memorable quotes by Rodriguez (via the PGA Tour):

"A man never stands taller than when he stoops to help a child."

“You’ve got to be different. You’ve got to be yourself in the world. That’s what I always wanted to be."

"In life, you have to have goals, and I have conquered most of my goals. I didn’t become the greatest golfer in the world, but I became the greatest Puerto Rican golfer.”

“I love kids because I never was a kid. I was too poor to be a kid," Rodriguez said (via NY Times).

Rodriguez, who won 8 PGA Tour events during the course of his career, led a challenging life. Born into a poor family, he grew up playing golf with guava branches and metal cans. Despite these hardships, he emerged as one of the best golfers from Puerto Rico and represented his country in numerous international golf tournaments.

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PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan pays tribute to Chi Chi Rodriguez

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan paid tribute to Chi Chi Rodriguez following his sudden demise. Monahan released an official statement acknowledging Rodriguez's "passion for charity."

He extended his condolences to the family, saying (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."

At the age of seven, Rodriguez started working at a sugarcane plantation to support his family. He joined the U.S. Army in 1954 at the age of 19 but continued playing golf during breaks. He finally turned professional in 1960 and won his first event in 1963 at the Denver Open. Throughout his career, he won eight PGA Tour events and 22 tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions.