Chi Chi Rodriguez, King of Golf in Puerto Rico!

I had the great pleasure to interview Chi Chi Rodriguez at the Dorado Beach Resort & Club in Puerto Rico in March 2014. For over an hour we sat and talked on the terrace of the Plantation Clubhouse overlooking the Sugarcane and Pineapple Courses. Like our meeting in 2010 it was intriguing, honest and fascinating to hear Puerto Rico’s iconic King of Golf tell stories from his poor and humble beginnings as a caddie to his rise as one of the premier golfers on the PGA TOUR. The eight time winner in the 1960s and 70s went on to win 22 more times on the Champions Tour including two majors. His inspirational career, on and off the golf course, is part of golf history forever with his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992. The video interview was so long I had to split it into four segments. CLICK here for Part 1 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez In this first segment Chi Chi readily admits that he would not change anything in his life and that he has never grown up! I agree in that his exuberance for life is childlike and maybe that is his secret to happiness, success and longevity? He credits Ed Dudley, the first Head Golf Professional at Augusta National Golf Club as being an inspiration to him along with his father who also came to the game of golf as a caddie. His dad suggested he “learn the ethics of the game” and that he did along with other great life principles like “Freely Ye Receive, Freely Ye Give.” Shortly after Ed Dudley passed in 1963 Chi Chi created a scholarship and named it after his mentor. Miguel ‘Junior’ Colon was a recipient of the Dudley Scholarship and went on to serve at Dorado Beach for 38 years, the last 13 as Director of Golf. It is obvious that Chi Chi did grow up and not only made a contribution to golf on the world stage but also back home in his native Puerto Rico. The first segment concludes on a lighthearted note with Chi Chi telling the story of his first win in the Denver Open in 1963. He had a one shot lead going into the last hole and should have hit a conservative 2-iron but went with the driver because the fans “came to see the long ball.” Afterwards his playing partner Dave Hill said “you’re the dumbest player I have ever seen or maybe the best!” Also Chi Chi reveals he has successfully pulled off his most famous trick shot, hitting a fade, then a hook and having the balls collide in midair, at least 25 times. He attributes it to “pure luck” but noted one of his mentors growing up in the game was trick shot artist Paul Hahn and that “kids learn what they see.” CLICK here for Part 2 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez In the second segment of four the good-natured Chi Chi speaks of the role of humor in his life. His mother and father were always telling stories and through these stories letting their children dream their dreams. With parents that were always happy, never complaining Chi Chi grew up knowing “money cannot buy poverty and money cannot buy happiness.” The 78-year old kid told the story of how his unusual birdie celebration evolved over the course of his life. First as a young child he lost a hole when a frog emerged along with his ball. Then he covered it with his hat which was frowned upon at the professional level. The final version came from being named after a bull fighter. Pulling his sword, stabbing a bull and cleaning it off before returning it to its sheath. Though like Bob Hope, Chi Chi would not hurt a fly unless it is open. Interestingly enough this portion of the interview began and ended with Chi Chi and me laughing. What fun this guy brings to life! CLICK here for Part 3 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez In the third and shortest segment of the four, Chi Chi describes his island home in Puerto Rico as being beautiful with beautiful golf courses. Reminiscing on his life, he speaks to his roots and bearings in life. Being as poor as anyone in this world and making it to the top, his perspective is that if he lost everything, he could be happy because he knows how to make it. Rodriguez credits Jack Nicklaus as an inspiring competitor, a good friend and someone instrumental in the founding of the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy which “prepares students for the game of life.” Another inspiring golfer was the ever clever Roberto De Vicenzo who Chi Chi described as ‘the best player the world ever had.” The self-described diminutive but strong Rodriguez shared his secret to how he added 50 to 75 yards to the length of his drives. He wraps up the segment by sharing his secret to success- determination, desire and discipline. CLICK here for Part 4 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez In the final segment of our interview, Chi Chi goes back to the beginning of his career at the very start of the Dorado Beach Resort & Club and tells a story about Laurance Rockefeller, Ed Dudley and being humble. Chi Chi received his first invitation to The Masters from Chairman Clifford Roberts while practicing with a 2-iron hitting over palm trees. When asked what he would like to do for the rest of his life he responded to continue helping children and become a statesman for Puerto Rico. He would also like to meet President Jimmy Carter, the best man and peacemaker of the Middle East. Wow, what an inspiring interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez. A conversation about more than golf, a conversation about life too. All the best to you Chi Chi and Happy 50^th wedding anniversary to you and Iwalani! Thanks for the interview and visit to Dorado Beach Resort & Club!