Lee Trevino developed he's confidence by having to scrape a few dollars
to survive, hustling for $50 a time when he himself only had $10 in
he's hip pocket.
Lee Trevino was born in Dallas Texas on the 1st December 1939, and
before he was old enough to remember, his father walked out, leaving
he's Mexican mother and grandfather to bring him up.
Money was a constant problem for the young Lee Trevino who would skip
school to work in cotton fields to help the family.
Always on the lookout to earn some cash, Trevino took a job at the
local driving range, it was here that he's passion for golf began.
Trevino developed his own quirky swing, and during his early years
would take on any player, betting money he simply didn't have! It was
this early pressure that helped to develop a ruthless mental game,
combined with his natural shot making ability which made Trevino almost
unbeatable!
In
1965 Trevino won the Texas State Open, thus qualifying for the US
Open. By now Trevino new he could make a lucrative living from playing
golf.
In 1967 he returned to play in the US Open at Baltusrol. Jack Nicklaus
took the title but Trevino finished fifth picking up a cheque for
$6,000. Not only was "Supermex" proving to be a formidable player, the
crowds loved him, and he loved them!
"Supermex" won his first US Open in 1968 at Rochester New York, with
his homemade swing he became the first winner of the US Open to
complete all four rounds in the 60's.
Lee's popularity was growing as he was able to engage the crowd with
amusing banter, when once playing during a thunder storm, "Supermex"
pulled out a 1 iron claiming "even God can't hit a 1 iron".
Trevino's second US Open was at Merion in 1971 with having to play a
tense play-off against Jack Nicklaus. Trevino's hustling days played of
and he shot a 69 to Jack's 71.
Trevino soon added the British Open to his US Open crown.
Lee Trevino most famous victory would come at the Open of 1972 at
Muirfield. Trevino was the reigning champion and one of the favorites
to win. After three rounds "Supermex" was closely persued by
Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. Asked how he would respond to the
pressure, Trevino replied, "try playing a hustler for $50 when you only
have $10 in your pocket, that's pressure".
Trevino shot a closing 71, including a chip in at the 17th to re-claim
the championship from a chasing Tony Jacklin.
Trevino's career at the top spanned three decades, with his final major
victory at the USPGA in 1984. Trevino's passion for golf, hes lively
banter, desire to win combined with sheer natural talent , took Lee
Trevino from an under-privileged background to the top of the golfing
world, and a true golf legend.
Achievements:
Masters 10th 1975, US Open winner 1968, 1971,
Open winner 1971, 1972, USPGA winner 1974, 1984.
Ryder Cup record: Member of 6 US teams (1969, 1971,
1973, 1975, 1979, 1981) Played 30, Won 17, Lost 7, Halved 6. Captain in
1985.
