Fans Happy to See ‘Chi Chi’ Back in Stride
Chi Chi Rodriguez pulls up to the first tee Tuesday during a practice round for the Toshiba Senior Classic at Newport Beach Country Club and one of the few fans there who braved the early-morning drizzle greeted the popular Puerto Rican with a resounding, “Welcome back, Chi Chi.”
Welcome back indeed.
Not just to Newport Beach, but to golf.
Rodriguez, a longtime fan favorite, is back on the course this year after a mild heart attack sidelined him at the end of last year.
He missed the final four events of last year after undergoing an angioplasty and returned last month at the American Express Invitational in Sarasota, Fla., where he tied for 31st.
“I feel much better now,” Rodriguez said. “I’m excited to be here.”
He’s not the only one.
Everywhere Rodriguez goes, the fans call out his name.
With his trademark Panama hat tipped back on his head, he signs autographs in good spirits.
And while his golf skills may have deteriorated--the 63-year-old with 22 Senior PGA Tour victories was 72nd on the 1998 money list--his people skills are still top-notch.
“He’s just the sweetest, funniest man out here,” said Ella Richards of Laguna Beach, after getting his autograph. “He’s one of the guys I came to see. I’m glad he made it back.”
The next scheduled appearance for Rodriguez is Thursday during the morning pro-am. He tees off on the 10th hole at 7:30 a.m.
“I’m ready to go,” he said. “My game is good right now.”
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Today’s schedule includes the first pro-am rounds.
The morning round, a 7:30 shotgun start, features Billy Casper, a 51-time winner on the PGA Tour who plays a limited Senior PGA Tour schedule; and Gary McCord, the quick-witted television analyst.
The afternoon round includes Gary Player, Al Geiberger, 1997 Senior Classic champion Bob Murphy and Dave Stockton.
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Early morning rains had little effect on the course, according to course superintendent Ron Benedict.
Measured at about six one-hundredths of an inch, Benedict said the sprinkle was little more than the daily irrigation his crew administers.
“It was a good rain,” Benedict said. “It washed off the trees if anything.”
Benedict said the fairways take rain very well, but drainage on the greens becomes sketchy after about half an inch.
Fortunately, the forecast for the rest of the week is for clear skies.
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Highlighting a day of relative inactivity at Newport Beach Country Club Tuesday was a junior clinic conducted by the SCPGA Foundation and led by Senior PGA player Rick Acton.
Approximately 100 kids of all ages participated in the clinic, in which Acton offered tips on the golf swing, the setup and the mental approach to the game.
“Forget everything your parents have taught you about the golf swing,” Acton said to begin his lesson. “It’s all wrong.”