Lee Trevino
Lee Trevino (born December 1, 1939) is an American golf legend—six-time major champion, Hall of Famer, and a beloved figure known for wit, grit, and resilience. This article explores his life, career, achievements, philosophy, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Lee Buck Trevino (born December 1, 1939) is one of the most charismatic and influential figures in the history of golf. Known for his humor, unorthodox swing, and competitive fire, Trevino overcame humble beginnings to become a six-time major champion and a cultural icon—especially within the Mexican-American community. His life story is both an athletics legend and an American success narrative, blending perseverance, grit, and joy in a sport often marked by reserve.
Over decades, Trevino’s fame has rested not only on his trophies, but on the way he played the game—with irreverence, storytelling, and a continual appetite for challenge. His legacy inspires golfers and non-golfers alike.
Early Life and Family
Lee Trevino was born in Dallas, Texas (or near Dallas / Rowlett, depending on sources) on December 1, 1939.
His early childhood was marked by poverty and labor. As a young boy, he worked in cotton and onion fields to help support the family.
Education was intermittent; Trevino dropped out of school at an early age and took on odd jobs to survive.
These formative years imbued him with humility, resilience, and a deep connection to the everyday struggles of working people. He would later bridge that background with success in a sport often dominated by wealth.
Journey into Golf & Rise to Prominence
Entry into the Game
Trevino’s introduction to golf was gradual and self-driven. He spent time caddying, absorbing how others swung and played.
In the mid-1960s, Trevino started playing more competitive amateur and local events, gradually raising his profile.
One breakout moment: in 1967, as a newer pro, he placed fifth in the U.S. Open, drawing attention to his potential.
Major Victories & Tour Success
Trevino went on to capture six major championships over his professional career. His major titles include:
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U.S. Open: 1968, 1971
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The Open Championship (British Open): 1971, 1972
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PGA Championship: (He won the PGA as well—making him one of few to win U.S. Open, The Open, and PGA)
He accumulated 29 PGA Tour wins over his career.
Some other notable achievements and honors:
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He led the PGA Tour money list in 1970.
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He won the Vardon Trophy (for the lowest scoring average) multiple times (1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1980)
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He was named PGA Player of the Year in 1971.
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He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.
His style was known for his ball-striking, gritty course management, and ability to perform under pressure.
Later Career & Senior Play
Even after his primary peak years, Trevino remained a force on the senior circuit (Champions Tour), winning numerous senior events.
He also published instructional books and autobiographical works, sharing insights into his golf philosophy and life.
Legacy & Influence
Lee Trevino’s legacy extends far beyond his trophies:
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Cultural icon & representation: As a Mexican-American sports star, he became a symbol of pride for Hispanic and Latino communities.
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Winning with personality: Trevino proved that one could succeed in golf while being witty, outspoken, and relatable—shattering the mold of the silent, serious golfer.
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Unorthodox paths: His success validated that strict convention isn’t the only path to excellence—he showed that self-belief, work ethic, and adaptability could produce greatness.
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Longevity in the game: His decades of play and continual involvement in golf (mentoring, commentary, appearances) helped sustain his relevance across generations.
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Storytelling & humor: Trevino’s memorable quips, candid reflections, and charm made golf more human and engaging. Many remember not just his wins but the stories he told and jokes he cracked on the course.
In sum, Trevino helped humanize professional golf, bridging social and cultural divides, while pushing competitive standards and inspiring the underdog.
Personality, Traits & Challenges
To understand Trevino’s character is to see a blend of toughness, humility, humor, and resilience:
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Toughness & grit: He came from hardship, experienced exclusion, and yet persisted. His toughness shows in how he battled adversity—on and off the course.
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Self-effacing humor: Trevino often used wit to disarm critics or lighten pressure. His quips remain legendary in golf lore.
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Relentless worker: Despite his native talent, he practiced, observed, experimented, and stayed involved in the mechanics of the game—even later in life.
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Nonconformist: He resisted being boxed into stereotypes or standard golfing norms. He embraced being an outsider.
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Survivor: Trevino survived serious challenges—in one famous incident, he was struck by lightning during play—yet he continued his career.
These traits help explain why his personality outshone many peers—even when his successes were already substantial.
Famous Quotes of Lee Trevino
Lee Trevino is nearly as well remembered for his humor and aphorisms as for his golf. Below are a selection of his more quoted lines:
“If your game is not going well, you can always have a picnic.” “You can talk to a fade but a hook won’t listen.” “In case of a thunderstorm, stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron.” “How can they beat me? I’ve been struck by lightning, had two back operations, and been divorced twice.” “I never think of yesterday. Can’t do anything about it. I’m a positive guy.” “Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle.” “Golf is a game in which you yell Fore!, shoot six, and write down five.”
These quotes reflect Trevino’s humor, realism, and perspective on the game—and on life.
Lessons from Lee Trevino’s Journey
From Trevino’s life and career, modern readers (golfers or otherwise) can draw several enduring lessons:
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Origin doesn’t limit destiny
He rose from poverty and limited formal education to reach the very top of his sport—showing that background can be overcome with dedication, resourcefulness, and persistence. -
Authenticity matters
Trevino never pretended to be someone he wasn’t. His authenticity, humor, and candidness endeared him to fans and set him apart. -
Adaptability over perfection
His unorthodox swing and self-taught methods show that success can come through experimentation and adaptation, not just strict adherence to norms. -
Resilience in adversity
From health challenges to critique to career slumps, Trevino demonstrated that setbacks need not define the arc of one’s life. -
Humor and perspective are power
His quips and attitude helped him navigate pressure, deflect negativity, and maintain joy in competition. The ability to laugh—even at oneself—is a strength.
Conclusion
Lee Trevino is much more than a storied name in golf history. He is a figure whose life illustrates what it means to transcend obstacles, play with spirit, and remain grounded amid success. Born in 1939 into modest circumstances, he went on to win multiple majors, command respect on the tour, and become a beloved persona through his charm, wit, and perseverance.
His legacy endures not only in record books, but in the hearts of those who believe that greatness can emerge from unexpected places, that character outlasts trophies, and that humor and grit are as vital as talent.