Miles Bennett
Lee Trevino is a legendary golfer renowned for his unique swing method and exceptional shot-making abilities. Born in 1939 near Dallas, Texas, Trevino overcame humble beginnings to become one of the world's finest golfers. Known for his humour and resilience, he won numerous tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the Canadian Open, achieving a remarkable triple crown in 1971. Trevino's influence on the sport remains significant, but is the golfer still alive?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | December 1, 1939 |
| Age | 84 years |
| Place of birth | Near Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Profession | Golfer |
| Career highlights | Ranked 14th-greatest golfer of all time by Golf Digest magazine in 2000; Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981; Won 29 PGA Tour events |
| Current status | Alive |
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What You'll Learn
Lee Trevino's career earnings
Lee Trevino is a Mexican-American golfer with a net worth of $50 million. He is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, with a career spanning several decades.
Trevino's professional career took off in 1968 when he won the US Open at Oak Hill Country Club. In 1971, he made history by becoming the only golfer other than Tiger Woods to win the PGA Tour's Open Championship, US Open, and Canadian Open in the same year. In addition to his golfing earnings, Trevino made significant investments in real estate. He also earned a substantial income from endorsements and business ventures related to golf.
During his PGA career, Trevino earned $9.9 million in tournament winnings, which places him in the top 30 of all-time career earnings totals for golfers. He won 29 PGA Tour events, including six major championships. Trevino's major championship wins include the US Open (1968, 1971), The Open Championship (1971, 1972), and the PGA Championship (1974, 1984). He also won the Vardon Trophy for the lowest-scoring average five times (in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, and 1980).
Trevino's charisma and humour were as renowned as his golfing prowess. He famously threw a rubber snake at Jack Nicklaus during the 1971 US Open playoff and made a humorous cameo appearance as himself in the 1996 Adam Sandler comedy film "Happy Gilmore".
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Trevino's unique swing method
Lee Trevino is known for his unorthodox power fade swing. In his prime, the "Merry Mex" could play any shot shape on command, but his favoured shot was the fade, which curves left to right, lands softly, and is easier to control than a draw.
Trevino's swing was unique to him and was not something that any instructor would direct their student to follow. He didn't care about 'looking good' on the golf course—he only cared about getting the ball in the hole and winning tournaments. His swing was so straight off the tee that he "only left the fairway to answer the phone"!
Trevino's swing is unorthodox, and so is his method for hitting the fade. The conventional way to hit a fade is to align the body left of the target, aim the clubface at the target, and swing along the line of the body. Trevino follows the first two steps but swings down the target line rather than with his body. This deviation produces a swing path that's inside-out relative to the body, and directly down the target line. Trevino produces the left-to-right spin necessary for a fade by delaying the release (rolling over) of his hands through impact.
Trevino's power fade swing is not something that the average amateur golfer should try to copy exactly. However, there are still plenty of points that can be picked out and used for improvement. For example, Trevino's tip is to think of the golf swing as a pendulum: the centre of your upper body is the top of the pendulum, and the clubhead is the bottom. For most shots, you want to hit the ball when the club is at the bottom of its pendulum arc. To keep your upper body centred and stable, Trevino recommends adjusting your stance width—this will help you keep your upper body stable and affect your ball position.
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The golfer's military service
Lee Trevino, born in 1939 in Texas, had a humble beginning. He left school at 14 and worked as a caddie and shoe shiner at the Dallas Athletic Club, earning $30 a week. He practised golf after work, hitting at least 300 balls each day.
At 17, Trevino joined the Marines, where he further honed his golfing skills. After his military service, he continued to pursue his passion for golf. He is known for his distinct and unorthodox swing method, which he developed through his dedication and practice in challenging conditions.
Trevino's resilience and work ethic are admirable, and he is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite his modest start in life, he went on to become one of the most consistent and accurate golfers, achieving remarkable success in the sport.
Trevino's career includes many notable achievements. He was the first player to shoot all four regulation rounds under par at the U.S. Open in 1968, and he tore up the Senior Tour at 50, becoming the first senior golfer to earn over a million dollars in a single season. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
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Trevino's awards and accolades
Lee Trevino is an American retired professional golfer. He is regarded as one of the greatest players in golf history. Over the course of his career, Trevino won six major championships and 29 PGA Tour events, with 92 professional wins overall. He is one of only four players to have twice won the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.
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The golfer's current age
Lee Trevino, the legendary golfer, is currently 83 years old. Born on December 1, 1939, in Garland, Texas, Trevino had a humble beginning. He left school at a young age, worked various jobs, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing his passion for golf.
Trevino's golfing journey began as a caddie at the Dallas Athletic Club, where he also practised golf. His natural talent and dedication led him to join the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) Tour in 1967, marking the start of a brilliant career.
During his prime, Trevino was known for his unique swing method, which he developed by practising in less-than-ideal conditions. His signature shot was a pronounced controlled "fade," but he had a diverse range of shot types at his disposal. Trevino's exceptional skills earned him numerous victories and accolades.
One of his most remarkable years was 1971 when he became the first player to win the U.S., British, and Canadian Opens in a single year. This achievement, along with his wins in other prestigious tournaments, solidified his place in golfing history.
Trevino's influence extends beyond his athletic accomplishments. He established scholarships and financial aid for Mexican-Americans, giving back to the community and promoting inclusivity in golf. His impact on the sport was recognized with his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.
Today, at 83, Trevino may not be as active on the golf course, but his legacy continues to inspire golfers worldwide. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the course, have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his name will forever be etched in golfing annals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lee Trevino is still alive. He is 84 years old as of 2024.
Lee Trevino was 28 years old when he joined the PGA Tour in 1967.
Lee Trevino is of Mexican-American descent.
