Chi Chi Rodriguez Biography

Athlete, professional golfer. Born Juan A. Rodriguez on October 23, 1935, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. Often without enough to eat, the Rodriguez family struggled to survive. As a child, Rodriguez went to work in the sugarcane fields to help out. Then he discovered working at a golf course could bring in more money. Working at a nearby club, Rodriguez eventually became a caddy and started to play golf.

After a stint in the army, Rodriguez returned to Puerto Rico and later became the head caddy at the Dorado Beach resort, where he was encouraged to pursue a career as a golfer. Under the guidance of pro golfer Pete Cooper, he played his first Professional Golf Association (PGA) event in 1960. He didn't win the Buick Open, but he did earn some money for his efforts. While he only won eight tournaments in the twenty-five years on the tour, Rodriguez was very popular with golf fans. Audiences liked his victory dances, his funny remarks, and his trademark straw hat.

Rodriguez has found greater success as part of the Senior PGA Tour. Since 1985, he has 22 wins on the tour. Despite having a heart attack in 1998, he continues to play golf. He also spends much of his time doing charity work, especially for the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, an organization that helps children improve their lives through the game of golf.

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