Popular golfer Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez died on July 8 at 88-years-old. The golfer’s death was announced by senator Carmelo Javier Rios from Puerto Rico. No cause of death was given.

Chi Chi Rodríguez, born Juan Antonio Rodríguez on October 23, 1935, was a Puerto Rican professional golfer known for his charismatic personality and many contributions to the sport.

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

Rodríguez grew up in a poor family, where his father worked as a laborer on a sugar plantation. To help support his family, young Chi Chi began caddying at a nearby golf course. It was there, that he first picked up a golf club, and began to develop his skills. By the age of 12, he had already won his first tournament.

His professional career began in 1960 when he joined the PGA Tour. His first tour victory came in 1963 at the Denver Open. Over the next two decades, Rodríguez would secure eight PGA Tour wins. His best years on the regular tour were in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighted by his unique style and flair.

Rodríguez was known for his distinctive and entertaining playing style. He often wore a straw hat and used a putter he called “El Putter de la Fortuna” (The Putter of Fortune). Perhaps his most famous on-course style was his “sword dance” celebration. After sinking a putt, Rodríguez would act like a matador, swirling his putter as if it were a sword, much to the delight of the spectators.

Rodríguez’s success was not limited to the PGA Tour, he also played on the Senior PGA Tour. He won 22 senior tournaments, including the Senior Players Championship in 1987 and the U.S. Senior Open in 1988.

In 1979, he co-founded the Chi Chi Rodríguez Youth Foundation with Bill Hayes. The foundation works to help at-risk children through educational and recreational programs.  All while using golf as a tool to teach life skills and values. The foundation’s success and impact have been profound, providing many opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992. He also received the prestigious Payne Stewart Award in 1987, recognizing his character, sportsmanship, and dedication to charitable causes.

Rodriguez is survived by his wife of almost 60 years  Iwalani, and Donnette, his wife’s daughter from her past marriage.

Rest In Peace.