Who Are The 50 Best Golfers in History?
22. Lee Trevino
Trevino started as a club pro and U.S. Open qualifier and ended up as a multiple major winner. After completing military service in the Marine Corps where, in addition to regular duties, he played golf with officers, Trevino took a position as a club pro in El Paso, TX. He played some money games, as was common at that time in Texas, and also tried to qualify for the U.S. Open.
His first try, in 1966, he finished 54th. His second attempt, he finished fifth and won enough money to be able to play the U.S. tour. In 1968, Trevino won the U.S. Open, which was career altering.
Trevino wasn’t just good one week. He won two U.S. Opens, two British Opens and two PGAs. In 1971 he won the U.S., British and Canadian Opens, a one of a kind triple.
In 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974 and 1980 he won the Vardon Trophy for low scoring average. That was while Arnold Palmer was still playing and while Jack Nicklaus was in his prime.
Trevino went on to 88 worldwide victories and 29 PGA Tour titles. After the PGA Tour, he embarked on a Champions Tour career where he won 29 events, second all time to Hale Irwin.
Next: No. 21 - Kathy Whitworth