Chi ChiRodriguez
United States
United States
Chi Chi Rodriguez
United States
Profile
Height
5'7"
Weight
150lbs
Birthday
Oct 23, 1935
Passed
August 08, 2024 (88)
Birthplace
Rio Piedras, PR
Turned Pro
1960
Residence
Port St. Lucie, United States
Family
Wife, Iwalani; Donnette
Personal
One of the most popular figures in all of sports.
Has raised more than $5 million for his Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation in Clearwater, Fla., with his "Chi Chi and the Bear" and "Chi Chi and the Zinger" golf outings, featuring Jack Nicklaus and Paul Azinger.
As a boy in Puerto Rico, gravitated to golf by hitting tin cans with a guava tree stick.
Worked as a caddie until joining the U.S. Army at age 19.
Biggest thrill in golf was winning his first professional event, the Denver Open Invitational, at Denver CC in 1963.
Favorite movie is "Boys Town" and favorite book is False Witness.
Says one of his biggest thrills outside of golf was meeting Mother Teresa in the Philippines and talking with her for 45 minutes.
Some of his favorite entertainers are Paul Anka and the late Sammy Davis, Jr.
Favorite all-time pro athlete is Babe Ruth and enjoys the TV show "America's Most Wanted."
Lists favorite foods as rice and beans, pork chops and buffalo.
Among his heroes are Mother Teresa, General George Patton and Mahatma Gandhi.
Served as the grand marshal for the 1994 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
Was honored in early December, 2010 by the U.S. House of Representatives for his commitment to programs assisting Latino and at-risk youth. Resolution (H.R. 1430) was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D. Calif.) and approved by the House with a 405-2 vote.