World Golf Hall of Fame member Chi Chi Rodriguez dies at 88

This from Doug Ferguson’s AP article.

Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer whose antics on the greens and inspiring life story made him among the sport’s most popular players during a long professional career, died Thursday. He was 88.

Rodriguez’s death was announced by Carmelo Javier Ríos, a senator in Rodriguez’s native Puerto Rico. He didn’t provide a cause of death.

“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.”

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A gifted player, entertainer and humanitarian, World Golf Hall of Famer Juan "Chi Chi" Rodriguez of Puerto Rico died on Thursday at 88.

A 30x @PGATOUR and @ChampionsTour winner, he played on the victorious 1973 @RyderCupUSA team and received the 1989 @USGA Bob Jones Award. pic.twitter.com/RzOvceTwcu
— Golf Hall of Fame (@GolfHallofFame) August 9, 2024

Chi Chi was a very dear friend of mine and we have so many great memories together with countless laughs. Chi Chi gave people pleasure, and what more can you do than give people happiness? Happiness is contagious and Chi Chi had an abundance of happiness. I will miss Chi Chi… pic.twitter.com/tGJsGP54AS
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) August 9, 2024

51 years ago, Chi Chi Rodriguez won @WyndhamChamp at Sedgefield CC in a Monday finish.

Contenders included Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and 60-year-old Sam Snead.

It was his seventh of eight @PGATOUR titles.

Rest in peace to one of golf's great characters and philanthropists. ❤️ https://t.co/7Rfbqm5TMf pic.twitter.com/KmvCIVXYDM
— Kevin Prise (@PGATOURKevin) August 9, 2024

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