Golf Legend Chi Chi Rodriguez Dies at 88, Fans React
Chi Chi Rodriguez was more than just a golf legend; he is a symbol of joy, resilience and flair in the world of sports.
Rodriguez died Thursday, Aug. 8, at the age of 88. (He would’ve appreciated the numerology in that.)
Born Juan Antonio Rodríguez on October 23, 1935, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, he worked as a caddie to support his family, which shaped his tenacity and determination — qualities that would later define his illustrious career.
With eight PGA Tour wins and a remarkable 22 victories on the Senior PGA Tour, his talent was undeniable. But it was his personality, his infectious charisma, and his iconic “sword dance” after sinking a putt that made him a fan favorite.
Rodriguez brought a sense of theater to golf, breaking the mold of the traditionally reserved sport with his exuberant celebrations and playful spirit.
As one of the first Hispanic players to achieve success in professional golf, he became a trailblazer, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps. He was the first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
He founded the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation to help at-risk youth.
For many, though, he will be fondly remembered as the guy on Devo’s Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! album cover:
R.I.P. Chi Chi Rodriguez, golfing legend, DEVO coverboy. pic.twitter.com/FiyhZSmgCE
— Mike Bennett (@mrhonorama) August 9, 2024
Here are more tributes from fans and from around the worlds of sports and entertainment:
Super Sky Point to Juan Antonio “Chi-Chi”Rodriguez, whose signature unsheathing of his putter sword elevated his birdies to a goddamn swashbuckling art form. There will never be another quite like him. #RIP
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) 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
Today we lost the great Chi Chi Rodriguez. Many of you of a certain age will remember this from Les Nessman from WKRP in Cincinnati🤣 pic.twitter.com/QvLoqO1t09
— James Reyes (@jamesreyes) August 9, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the passing of World Golf Hall of Famer Chi Chi Rodriguez at age 88. pic.twitter.com/invJvF2Ekt
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) August 9, 2024
A one-of-a-kind celebration.
Chi Chi Rodriguez explains his signature “sword dance.”
He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/XTsN9tzjCe
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) August 9, 2024
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 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. pic.twitter.com/is8a4kSBk2
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) August 9, 2024
Rest in peace to Juan "Chi Chi" Rodriguez. A legend of the game and a world class humanitarian. pic.twitter.com/XD5We70AOC
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) August 9, 2024
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