Jack Nicklaus respected Chi Chi Rodriguez so much as a golfer – and a humanitarian – that he sent his sons, and grandson, to Rodriguez for lessons.
“Chi Chi came from very humble beginnings and worked very hard to become very successful, not only as a golfer but as a person and a humanitarian,” Nicklaus, a North Palm Beach resident, told The Palm Beach Post Friday.
“Beyond his tremendous record and impact on the game of golf, Chi Chi was a great teacher of the game. I sent my boys and even a grandson to Chi Chi to learn various aspects of golf, especially the short game, and he taught them a great deal. But his focus on educating young minds transcended golf.”
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus lost a good friend Thursday when Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, one of golf’s greatest philanthropists, died at age 88.
Rodriguez was a showman and entertainer on and off the course. He was known for his signature “sword dance.” But do not let that overshadow his talent on the golf course. Known as the greatest Puerto Rican golfer of all time, Rodriquez, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, won eight times on the PGA Tour and collected 22 victories on the PGA Tour Champions.