'Iconic Golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez Passes Away at Age 88'

Juan \"Chi Chi\" Rodriguez, also known for his on-course theatrics, passed away at the age of 88 in Clearwater, Florida. He was a talented golfer and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Rodriguez achieved eight wins on the PGA Tour, starting with the 1963 Denver Open Invitational and ending with the 1979 Denver Open Invitational.

After turning 50, he found even more success on the Senior PGA Tour (now the PGA Tour Champions), earning 22 victories - a record that is tied for seventh in the tour's history.

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His best performance in one of the four major tournaments was a tie for sixth place in the 1981 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club near Philadelphia. He also finished in the top ten twice at the Masters, in 1970 and 1973.

Rodriguez grew up in poverty in Puerto Rico and represented his country 12 times in the World Cup of Golf.

The 5-foot-7 golfer won over fans with his quick wit and playful antics, such as using his golf club as a sword.

According to PGATour.com, he once said, \"The people come out and pay good money to see golf. I think they deserve something extra, and I like to give it to them.\"

Rodriguez was also heavily involved in charitable work and founded the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater to help at-risk youth.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement, \"Chi Chi Rodriguez's dedication to charity and outreach was only matched by his incredible talent on the golf course. A vibrant and colorful personality both on and off the course, he will be greatly missed by the PGA Tour and all those he touched through his mission to give back. Our deepest condolences go out to the Rodriguez family during this difficult time.\"

In an interview with the Florida Times Union in 2016, Rodriguez said, \"We make them taxpayers instead of tax burdens. We make them executives instead of felons. Every day, the first thing we do is pledge allegiance to the flag because if they learn respect for the flag they can learn respect for themselves and for others.\" This quote was later reported by USA Today.

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Rodriguez was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the Bobby Jones Award, the highest honor given by the U.S. Golf Association, three years prior.