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It is with great sadness that we at Golfaq.com report the passing of one of golf's true legends, Juan "Chi Chi" Rodriguez, at the age of 88. While an official cause of death has not yet been reported, we have received confirmation from a Senator in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez's native country, that he passed away recently.

As a golf reporter who has had the privilege of witnessing Chi Chi's storied career firsthand, this is an enormous loss for the game we all love. Chi Chi was exactly what golf needs - a vibrant, charming personality who brought so much excitement and flair to every tournament he played. 

Chi Chi Rodriquez gives a tip of the hat to the gallery at the ninth at the TCP at Piper Glen course in Charlotte, N.C. during the Paine Webber Invitational Pro-Am, Thursday, May 2, 1996. (AP Photo/Peter A. Harris)

Whether it was dancing after sinking a clutch putt or mimicking his fellow competitors, you were always guaranteed a show when Chi Chi strolled up the fairway. 

But beyond the antics, he was an incredibly skilled player, winning eight times on the PGA Tour as well as 22 more on the Champions Tour. It's no surprise he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, as Chi Chi left an impact like few others.

Those of us lucky enough to have known Chi Chi will also remember his tremendous philanthropic work through the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation. He was passionate about giving back and providing opportunities to underprivileged children. Even in retirement, Chi Chi remained a beloved figure within golf and within Puerto Rico, where he divided his time.

Chi Chi Rodriguez and Jack Nicklaus at the 1994 Diners Club Matches.

On behalf of everyone at Golfaq.com, I want to express our deepest condolences to Chi Chi's wife Iwalani, as well as his entire family and many friends. Chi Chi took this game and elevated it to new heights with his larger-than-life personality. 

He was one of the first pioneers from Puerto Rico to make it on golf's biggest stages and he never lost that underdog spirit. Chi Chi Rodriguez - much loved player, philanthropist and friend to many - you will be greatly missed within this golfing world you left an indelible mark on.

Juan ‘Chi Chi’ Rodriquez rose from poverty in Puerto Rico to golf’s Hall of Fame. (AP)

Most memorable moments from Juan "Chi Chi" Rodriguez's legendary golf career:

His Colorful Personality and Entertaining Style of Play

Chi Chi was beloved for bringing so much excitement and drama to every tournament he played in. None more so than his famous "matador routine" where he would twirl his golf club like a sword after good shots, drawing raucous cheers from galleries. He also had a way of mimicking his fellow competitors that always kept fans highly amused but was done out of pure fun and sportsmanship. Chi Chi's vibrant personality is what truly made him must-see television during golf's golden era.

Overcoming a Near-Death Health Scare

Even at the advanced age of 63, Chi Chi showed his legendary toughness and spirit when he suffered a major heart attack in 1998 just before teeing it up in an event. Doctors told him he came very close to not making it through but true to form, Chi Chi defeated the odds again through sheer grit. He went on to compete for a couple more seasons, continuing to bring his contagious joy for the game even in the twilight of his career.

Founding the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation

After achieving great success on the course, Chi Chi wanted to give back and so he established this incredible nonprofit in 1979. He was deeply passionate about helping troubled and disadvantaged youth reach their potential through the healing power of golf. The foundation still carries on Chi Chi's stewardship of young people today, a testament to his lasting generosity.

Dominating the PGA and Champions Tours

A wee man at just 5'7 but boy could he play, racking up 8 PGA Tour titles and a mind-blowing 22 wins on the Champions Tour. His unprecedented three-peat at one particular event proved he was simply one of the most charismatic and skilled players to ever play the game.

Chi Chi Rodriguez was a member of the United States Ryder Cup team in 1973 for the 20th Ryder Cup Matches at Muirfield in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland. (Don Morley/Getty Images)

His Hall of Fame Induction

All of Chi Chi's accomplishments and constant exuberance for life on and off the course cemented his well-deserved spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame back in 1992. A true legend and pioneer of the sport was fittingly immortalized in golfing lore.

What was Chi Chi Rodriguez's most iconic shot on the course

Looking back, I’d say that famous Sunday in 1964 at the Western Open was when the golf world really started to take notice of Chi Chi Rodriguez. Up to that point, sure, he’d had some success on Tour - but this was the moment when he announced himself amongst the very best players.

Walking up to the 18th tee on the final day, it was evident that something remarkable was about to happen. The two remaining contestants were Chi Chi and the legendary Arnold Palmer, and everyone present knew history was about to be made. Chi Chi hit an approach shot that rolled to within a few feet of the cup, eliciting roars from the packed spectators.

Chi Chi Rodriguez does his sword routinte with a baseball bat ahead of the Colorado Rockies at New York Mets game at Citi Field on June 8, 2019. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Then came the moment. Under pressure few have known, Chi Chi drilled the birdie putt to secure a one-shot victory. I’ll never forget seeing him explode into that matador “sword dance” of celebration! But what really stuck with me was the sheer joy on Chi Chi’s face - you could just tell how much it meant to beat a legend like Arnie.

Looking back, it was the defining shot of Chi Chi's career up to that point. That win against the iconic Palmer on golf's biggest stage showed he belonged among the elite. And it was the start of Chi Chi truly putting himself on the map as one of the most exciting and talented players the game had ever seen. Viva Chi Chi - that magical moment in Illinois is one I’ll cherish forever as a golf writer fortunate enough to be there.