Chi Chi Rodriguez Honored by House of Representatives
According to an article today on PGATour.com:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that honors and salutes golf legend Juan Antonio "Chi Chi" Rodriguez for his commitment to programs assisting Latino and at-risk youth. H. Res. 1430 was approved by the House with a 405-2 vote."With a lifetime 38 professional wins, Chi Chi Rodriguez will go down as one of the all time greats in golf history," said Rep. Baca. "But his legacy does not end on the links. Chi Chi's lifelong charitable contributions have impacted the lives of thousands of young people. I thank my colleagues for supporting this resolution, which is a fitting way to pay tribute to one of golf's most noteworthy icons."
In his professional career, the self-taught Rodriquez would win an impressive 38 tournaments, including 8 PGA Tour wins and 22 on the Champions Tour. Growing up in an impovished town in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez became interested in the game by watching golfers at a nearby private club, where he would often sneak on at night to practice.
In recent years he has worked closely with Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation's premier Latino youth leadership development and educational organization, "to provide additional opportunities for Latino youth to succeed in life."
Chi Chi Rodriguez became the first ever Puerto Rican to be elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He was also elected to the World Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
