Hall of Fame golfer Juan 'Chi Chi' Rodriguez dies at 88

ESPN ^ | Associated Press

[dfwgator]

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.

[srmanuel]

Nearly every Thanksgiving I watch the “my god I thought turkeys could fly” episode and laugh all over again one of the funniest shows

[liberalh8ter]

He was my Dad's favorite. In the 90’s, I had a work assignment over at PGA during a tournament that involved me interacting with a lot of the golfers that were competing. Knowing how much my Dad loved these guys I took him along. Everyone was so kind and courteous except for Lee Trevino. Chi Chi was the best. RIP, Sir!

[shotgun]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q_fq4RQgwuA

[Rummyfan]

RIP Chi Chi. Yes he was a showman, but there was real game behind that. A great ambassador for the game.

[trebb]

He sheathed that “saber” for the last time - RIP....

[1Old Pro]

He was good for the game, played in the Golden era of golf.

[Mouton]

Same here. Few of the current bunch have any personality beyond what they are coached to say or do. Also, aside from Woods, these guys played in an era where the payouts were not astronomical.

[Tommy Revolts]

When I was young, maybe around 12 years of age, my dad took me to see Chi Chi and Lee play.

Best time, I was hooked on golf.

[CtBigPat]

I heard about his passing from a DEVO post on Facebook.

[plain talk]

I walked some rounds with Chi Chi in the 90s and saw him up close. Funny guy as we all know.

[MayflowerMadam]

First thing I though of. Chy Chy Rodriguez.

[No name given]

Rest In Peace, Juan.

[libertylover]

After sinking a short putt, I remember he would take his cap off and snap it down over the hole, like it would keep the ball from popping out.

And after making a long putt, he'd hold the putter by the head, pretending it was a sword, and slide it into an imaginary sheath. I liked it. The man had style!

[SunkenCiv]

Less Nessman talks about Chi Chi Rodriguez | 0:26
davidtav | 39 subscribers | 73,392 views | April 23, 2018

• Hall Of Fame Golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez Dead At 88 [08/09/2024]

[zeestephen]

Thanks, liberty.

I completely forgot about the sword routine.

[zeestephen]

Re: "Chi Chi joined the Army at age 19."

Interesting.

Just a few weeks ago, I watched a bio of Lee Trevino on the Golf Channel.

Trevino enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17 and served four years.

Trevino said that was the most important experience in his life, and that he would never have had the self-discipline to become a professional golfer without it.

[BlueLancer]

[zeestephen]

Great clip, BlueLancer.

I completely forgot he wore a hat instead of a traditional cap.

[libertylover]

Love it! Thanks.

[kiryandil]

Trevino said that was the most important experience in his life, and that he would never have had the self-discipline to become a professional golfer without it.