Chi Chi grew up in the hot, dusty sugar cane fields of Rio Pierdas, where he helped his father tend the fields. Chi Chi's golf expertise began at the age of 12, when he shot a 67. Chi Chi became known for his eye-hand coordination and imagination - skills that for more than 40 years have helped him overcome all types of obstacles. He showcases these skills at golf clinics and exhibitions around the country. But Chi Chi's talents extend beyond what he is able to do with the golf ball. From his matador routine to his good-natured impersonations of his fellow competitors, Chi Chi is an entertainer at heart.
Chi Chi has won the '79 Tallahassee Open, the '73 Greater Greensboro Open, the '72 Byron Nelson Classic, the '68 Sahara Invitational, the '67 Texas Open, the '64 Lucky International, and the '63 Denver Open.
In 1992 he was inducted into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame, and in 1994 into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.
But what separates Chi Chi from everyone else is that he has coupled his success on the golf course with a strong personal desire to make a positive impact. This has manifested itself in the countless hours he spends at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation.
Chi Chi's foundation, in Clearwater, Florida, is home to troubled and abused youngsters. Chi Chi's philosophy is simple, he wants kids to have a chance. "I figure kids are the future. If I made it, anybody can do it. I think I can be a good role model for them because they can look at me and say, 'look, he's a small guy, he was very poor, and he worked hard and made it.' If I can help one kid become successful in life because they want to be the way I was, that's all I ask for.
It is through examples like this that Chi Chi has proven that he is not only a great golf champion, but a champion in life.
8 PGA Tour Wins
