Iconic Hall of Fame golfer Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez has died at 88, prompting international shock from golf fans and fellow golfers alike. News of Rodriguez’s death first broke after Puerto Rican senator Carmelo Javier Ríos announced the tragedy, with the initial announcement lacking an official cause of death. After confirming Rodriguez’s death, several PGA officials celebrated the late athlete and shared information about Rodriguez’s storied career and contributions to charitable causes.
Among the PGA officials who discussed Rodriguez’s death was Commissioner Jay Monahan, who released a statement describing Rodriguez and how his death impacted the golfing organization. Monahan said that the PGA would miss Rodriguez’s colorful personality and that the people who benefitted from charitable organizations would always appreciate the late golfer’s attempt to share his success. Monahan also expressed condolences to Rodriguez’s family during the conclusion of the statement.
Rodriguez’s death comes after a decades-long career as a golfer, dating back to 1960. Rodriguez served in the United States Army before joining the PGA Tour and managed to win eight times over 21 years. Rodriguez first won in 1963, winning two more tours in 1964. Rodriguez won five more tours throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, marking a historic career rarely matched by other athletes. Rodriguez played golf professionally until 2002, securing a spot in the PGA Hall of Fame in 1992. The golfer briefly considered retirement in 1998 after he suffered a heart attack but returned to the sport shortly after.
While many people have celebrated Rodriguez’s rise to fame and charitable efforts, others have highlighted his unique personality, which helped make him an international star. Rodriguez would often twirl his club after scoring a solid shot or perform celebratory dances, prompting fans to follow the late golfer’s career. Rodriguez sometimes imitated other players during his celebrations, which the golfer repeatedly insisted was meant harmlessly.
Although many golf fans have expressed sadness over Rodriguez’s death, others have taken to social media to share clips of the late golfer and discuss his impact on the PGA and the sport. Rodriguez’s cause of death remains undisclosed, but some online audiences believe the golfer likely died from natural causes due to his old age.
