Lee Trevino shares some of his best stories from legendary golf career

One of the greatest talkers in golf history came into town to promote the Ascension Charity Classic. So we sat down for some story time.

[@charleslathe4598]

I was a high school summer vacation janitor at the Canterberry Country Club during a PGA tournament I was told to take a case of beer up the back stairs to the manager’s office. In the office I found Lee Trevino, Jack Nicholas, Arnold Palmer, and another player I didn’t know. When I set the case of beer down, Lee Trevino stood up, pulled a fiver out of his pocket and said, “Come on fellas, give the kid a tip.” I left with $20 and Lee Trevino will always be my favorite golfer for that.

[@christopherbiddle8127]

That had to be like 50 bucks back then? More?

[@Pronzini1]

The true Horatio Alger story. The man came from a dirt cottage with no running water and no electricity. His father took off, so his 65 year old grandfather supported the kids by digging graves by hand. Le was picking cotton, finding balls to sell, and helping pay for the family's baloney sandwiches by the time he was 7. He spent four years in the range, learned to work hard, fight, and drink. He didn't have the money to turn pro until he was 27, but once he did, he was not scared. He won six majors, 58 tournaments that were not majors, and 28 more on the Senior Tour. He has done more than any other poor Mexican kid in the history of the game. Viva Lee Trevino!

[@Pronzini1]

That meant to say he spent four year in the Marines.

[@lindahlgeorge6143]

He was the best.

[@jimlongino8420]

One of my favorite stories about Lee came from Paul Harvey ( radio): Raymond Floyd was a hot college golfer at the country club in Dallas that some rich members backed in a match against some other well to do people who played at the public coarse who said they had a guy who worked at the club house and range. Raymond shot a 5-under 67 in that match; which was good enough to lose by two strokes. The name of the guy who worked in the pro shop was Lee Trevino," now you know the rest of the story.". ( Paul's closing line in his radio show)

[@alfandeddie]

@@jimlongino8420 El Paso not Dallas

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Trevino when on, was as good as ANYBODY in history. You said it so eloquently when you wrote Lee was not scared. A lot of guys had good golf games, but when it came down to the wire against Nicklaus, Player, etc., they stumbled a bit. Not Lee. He bested Jack a NUMBER of times when Jack played well. I also remember as a kid, loving Jack Nicklaus, and being heartbroken when Lee would dominate him when they were both just on the seniors tour. Lee was a killer when in contention, and in big moments he produced. I always admired that about him. Lastly, im not sure if there has ever been a better technician in terms of a golfer and their swing. Lee could work a ball left or right if needed, and could hit it high or low as well. I think thats part of the reason he was so good in the British, where he not only won, but defended his title, (SO difficult) but also tied for 17th as late as 91, when the guy was in his fifties. Remarkable. Ive heard stories hes not as friendly off camera as youd think, but ill always think of him as the Merry Mex. God bless Lee, I miss seeing him compete.

[@cgvagf]

" Gonna see the good Lord soon, and I don't want him to be disappointed" AMEN my friend!!

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Struck by lightning, I would give every win to The Lord. I would work HARD! I would still be a smartass...

[@denisjl100]

he won't be disappointed, he'll want to know how to make his slice into a fade.

[@ysgol3]

'Before I won the US Open, I told jokes and nobody laughed. After won the US Open, I told the same jokes and everyone laughed like hell'. Lee Trevino 1968. This man is very special, brilliantly talented and so so wise.

[@yossarianmnichols9641]

Truly one of the greatest because he was self taught and self motivated. Very rare to be born to poverty and pursue a rich man's game so relentlessly he beat all the rich men.

[@lightshadow44]

His work and grace has been beloved by millions. Legend!

[@timallsopp8656]

They broke the mould when they made Lee Trevino! What a superb human being and sportsman!

[@trock6577]

I watched Lee at a tournament years ago in Fort Lauderdale and he hit a drive that just skirted by a fairway bunker on the left and was in perfect position. As we walked off the tee, he looked at me and said “that one scared the shit out of me.” Can’t imagine Nicklaus saying that or anyone else. What a joy he was to golf.

[@fntsmk]

I never enjoyed watching anybody play golf as much as I enjoyed watching Lee Trevino. Always the entertainer, whether he was on or off his game, it didn't matter. Lee Trevino was and is a marvel to watch play golf, and tell stories. God bless ya' Lee Buck Trevino!

[@jameshoran8]

Lee was once playing Jack Nicklaus in the 1989 Skins Game. Nicklaus on the 8th hole commented after misjudging a long putt that the eyesight was failing and at 49 years old, he was hearing that it was always the first thing to go. Trevino chirped, "No Jack, that's the second thing that goes." Laughter followed as everyone got the joke. At least the men did.

[@christopherbiddle8127]

What’s the first, becoming impotent? Sex drive?

[@MetismanInBC]

I always loved to watch Lee Trevino play golf and listen to his comments. I miss that he very rarely is seen on the course anymore.

[@srnordli]

Truly a role model for 98% of the people in this country!

[@blairsterling6141]

Trevino and Arnold Palmer were always our favorite golfers. Both men were loved by hundreds of millions

[@RG-ja34sep]

I only have these words, “I absolutely LOVE this Man”!

[@kevinmoore7975]

My favorite golfer. Wish him the very best.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Truly one of the greats of the game. Sad but his kind are a rare breed these days. I remember watching golf with my Dad in the 1950s and there were all kinds of characters like Trevino.

[@eggsmann594]

A whole bunch of Trevinos ? sounds a little scary 😄

[@philbob99]

I recall stories of Lee hustling golf games prior to his getting on tour. He would play with 3 clubs of his choosing and play even up against very good players. Won most of those and won a lot of bets.

[@lindahlgeorge6143]

One of my favorite golfers of all time.

[@Jerryemcse]

As a Mexican, Lee is an inspiration. He was denied a PGA card because he was Mexican and overcame racism and prejudice to become a golf icon and legend. He overcame spinal cord damage and still kicked ass! This man is the reason why I just started golf. I have spinal cord damage and was quadriplegic but can now play golf. Thanks, Lee for giving me hope.

[@markpalmer8083]

He's not Mexican. Where, exactly, in Mexico was he born?

[@Jerryemcse]

@markpalmer8083 OK, Mexican-American does that make you feel better? He was discriminated because of his Mexican heritage.

[@markpalmer8083]

@@Jerryemcse No; it neither makes me feel better, nor worse. It just remarkably illustrates how racist Americans are to other Americans, when that's what you all are. You've even had to downgrade him now to, 'Mexican American', when I pointed out that he was not a Mexican and is clearly 100% as much an American as all other Americans, by birth. Fortunately, I'm not American, so don't have to live in such a toxic and racist society..

[@Jerryemcse]

@markpalmer8083 no, you don't understand American culture. You see Lee's ethnic heritage is something he is proud of, not something to diminish. You are right there is a lot racism in America and doesn't matter how successful you are. Lee was denied his PGA card many times, even though he was better than most of the pros. He was a marine and still because his color and ethnicity had to fight for all his chances at success.

[@dorothygale1104]

@@markpalmer8083 What paradise do you live in where racism nor bigotry exist? Secondly, you claim that by saying someone is Mexican not Mexican-American that such description is a negative characterization, which inly demonstrates your inner bias and bigotry because Mexican and Mexican-American are simply descriptors of race or ethnicity; they are not pejorative words unless one believes a Mexican or Mexican-American is a lesser being. The inherent premise of your original question asking where Lee Trevino was born infers that to be an American, or more properly a natural born U.S. citizen, is of better status than to be a Mexican or Mexican- American. You, sir, bring inherent racism into this comment section and then dare to accuse others of prejudices. You would be better served by not judging others lest you be judged.

[@gringo19860]

Love that last sentence - good onya Lee 🙏🏼 winning at life and eternal life 👍 Praise God.

[@jetdr]

They don’t make Palmers and Trevino’s anymore!! We were blessed to exist at the same time in the Earths long existence as these great Men!

[@lindahlgeorge6143]

I totally agree Sir.

[@dannylaw7367]

Still as sharp and as great as he always has been. Such wisdom here too. All my life I've never had a job I loved. Not ever, and it's all my fault as I was always too scared to test myself too far.

[@brud1729]

In an interview after winning the tournament by one stroke, the host asked Trevino why he laid up on the par 5 18th hole instead of playing a three-wood over the little lake. Lee said, "well, I wanted to go for the green in two like you suggest, but Mitchell (Lee's long time caddie) wouldn't give me the three wood." What a guy!

[@dorothygale1104]

Best Lee Trevino quote: “I’m very fortunate to be paid to play a game that I otherwise would pay to play.”

[@ronmckay504]

Saw Trevino a few times at the Canaian Open at Glen Abbey. The other players would stay as far away as possible from Lee on the Practice Range because he would be constantly talking to the crowd and it bothered them but the Fans loved it and he was the Fan Favourite by far. Truly one of a kind. Lee, Chi Chi and Arnie are my all time Golf Favourites.

[@leemills5118]

Lee Trevino will always be my favourite player. Golf no longer has personalities it has robots. I was lucky to enjoy playing golf and watching the best & Lee was in great company - Jack, Arnold, Gary, Tom, Seve all giants of the sport.

[@nev7711]

Just like fellow Texan Ben Hogan, who also had a tough start in life. Golf is now boring. Highlight of this year's Open Championship, was the exhibition game at the beginning. Lee Trevino was brilliant.

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

Me too. I read an article years ago where the interviewer told Trevino that he is very likely the most famous and beloved golfer anywhere and asked what he though of that. He said: "Who told you that? No. No. Arnold Palmer is the absolute king, anybody else is fighting for a distant second place. More people watch Arnold Palmer put on his golf shoes in the parking lot than watch me play golf."

[@jhamlin726]

You're crazy if you think there are no personalities today.

[@markpalmer8083]

It called far too much money which makes them all into spoilt, self-entitled, arrogant c*nts, when all they do for the good of mankind is knock a small ball around a field.

[@dlaird8]

Trevino is one of the greatest success stories ever. A true monster of the game and life.

[@windellmcspindell3652]

Great guy, Lee Trevino. He told a story once about his wife's purse with a credit card in it being stolen and someone asked him if he was concerned about her credit card being taken and he replied "no, actually I'm relieved, because who ever took it can't possibly spend as much as my wife". lol.

[@robertoalvarez2777]

Great last words in the interview “…cause I’m gonna see Him soon, and I don’t want Him to be disappointed”

[@grovepeate3316]

Loved him,loved his background.Wish him all the best.From a 77 yr old fan.

[@Porscheman1]

My wife worked at the Toronto Hilton Airport & checked in Mr. Trevino in 1976. She described him as a kind wonderful person. He gave her a mini-Sombrero that he carried for good luck - we still have ii! Well, that good luck played into him winning the Canadian Open that year.

[@william8654]

Been to a couple tournaments and been around Lee. There are 2 Lee Trevinos. One with cameras on him, one with cameras off. One is very social and gracious, the other not so much.

[@edchapman5801]

I've been to lotsa tournaments and Lee's the only pro that was outgoing and friendly at all. I'm 80 so I started going to watch all the big names back in the late '50's and everyone of them was a jerk, but Trevino came along 10 years later and he seemed pretty decent to me - sorry you had a bad experience with him - I never did.

[@Rick9482]

He looks damn good for eighty three. I notice the firmness in his facial muscles. I just turned eighty myself.

[@lfeco]

He does look great and the mind is sharp.

[@bobfeller604]

I watched him play at Riviera CC in the 70's and he was very talented. Not the longest hitter, but he'd cut your heart out with a wedge and putter.

[@MichaelMiller-ny3rr]

God Bless you & Keep you Lee! 🙏

[@johnleonard8311]

Always a Lee Trevino fan !👍

[@robsteffen9866]

Theres only 5 golfers i would pay to see play and Lee Trevino is 1 of them !!

[@skylershank9309]

I listened to him give a speech and also a golf clinic. His genuineness is infectious. Love the guy.

[@martyflannigan5052]

you have to love this man's attitude better than most

[@greensward123]

Lee's a national treasure!

[@faithfighters3399]

I hate when old people talk about death. But his services is one I will definitely take the time and go pay my respects.

[@johndublyoo2553]

I stood and watched him warm up before his third round at the 84 Open and he never hit a shot over 15 feet in the air with efery club he pulled out of the bag, amazing ball striker and shot maker, never seen anyone since who could match him and on top of that his sense of humour matches him perfectly. Thanks for all the memories Lee and God bless you 👏👏

[@kennethdrewary1094]

A genuine sports PERSONALITY.

[@mikeoliver198]

What a talented wise man.

[@kowanmcgarry]

Amen. Lee is truly amazing. God bless Mr. Trevino.

[@harrytaylor4665]

Saw Lee play at Silverado in Napa about 1968. He hit an average iron shot maybe fifteen feet from the hole. A lady in the gallery went on and on: "Great shot Lee! Great shot!" He turned and looked at her and said: "Lady I'm the U. S. Open champ! What do you expect? Ground balls?

[@sandramoskwa]

God bless Lee, He tells it as he see’s it and he is honest. Him and Jack were both the best during the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s.

[@moryan6447]

Looks and sounds terrific!

[@leestebbins5051]

The Merry Mexican is the Merry American. Great interview Jarhead.

[@Play2Win1958]

I read your book Lee, we need hero's and your one of mine !

[@Mycroftsbrother]

Great man!

[@johnparton2209]

Absolute genius and a legend, we named our son after him ( my wife wouldn’t agree to call him Seve ) 😂

[@brmc6145]

You should have called him Dolly

[@munnjean]

He was, without question one of the greatest ball strikers in the history of the sport. Played the most consistent fade, unfortunately that particular shot did not fare well at Augusta National.

[@jamesanthony5681]

I think there were a few reasons why he didn't play well at Augusta.

[@thegemhiveantiquejewellery796]

Inspirational !

[@russellcyr4867]

The best Trevino line I've ever heard is..."If Jack Nicklaus had to hit my second shots he'd still be at the family drug store in Ohio".

[@bogee4u]

"You can talk to a fade....but a hook won't listen"

[@jefferytokarsky1930]

Someone asked Lee about the pressure of making or missing a putt on 18 that could mean the difference of $100,000. He answered ... I’m paraphrasing ... “Real pressure is making a putt that could make or lose you $50 when you don’t have $50 to lose.”

[@laurieharper1526]

@@jefferytokarsky1930 I like that. My favourite sports quote about pressure came from Keith Miller, the Australian cricketer. He was a fighter pilot in WW2. Asked how he dealt with pressure of playing at the top level, he replied (I'm paraphrasing also), "That isn't pressure. Pressure is a Messerschmidt on your arse, trying to kill you."

[@jeanneobrien7381]

LOL

[@peterreid4567]

I love this guy. So warm and funny. And what a golfer. Top 5 ever. I’d love to play a few holes with him

[@danielterry382]

Spoke to him years back at a Champions event in Maryland, Nice guy.

[@mikeleach4201]

I followed Lee in an early Florida Citrus invitational at Rio Pinar because my Dad was paired with him in the pro-am. On a windy day, long par three Lee teed up and bent down and brushed away the invisible bumps in the grass in the driveline. He turned and told the crowd that he was gonna have to hit this one low into the wind! Brokers up. Funny, fun guy.

[@watchnwait]

Golf is fun to play, Lee and Arnie made it fun to watch. He Made shots, he didn't take shots. I don't enjoy watching as much as I use to because most of the good guys no longer play.

[@bh5606]

Fun guy to watch and listen to.

[@csnide6702]

I remember golfing at The Bear in Acme, MI (Jack Nicklaus place)and hitting second shot into a DEEP greenside bunker (i think hole 14) where you get down into the bunker by railroad tie steps on the backside. I scuffed the first shot & left in in the bunker. I was steaming hot by then and took a big cut , lofting it high and stopped 5 feet from the hole. I hear someone say "nice shot" (apparently he didn't see the first one 😅 ) I turn and look and it's lee Trevino walking down the cart path toward the next hole ! I was gobsmacked- played terrible from then on , must have shot 100......

[@willelliott1271]

Love this man :)

[@andersbircow]

Lee Trevino - the most charming and relaxed attitude in golf.

[@mikeminlou]

Great Job Frank!

[@duanethompson2360]

I met Lee in Portland. We cast a golf ball with a fishing rod. He was great!

[@MrJdebest]

Back then I could recognize the PGA players from their own individual swing, nowadays most are very similar. Evolution of the golf swing has made it more efficient.

[@christopherbiddle8127]

He has a great memory.

[@thomasmarengi2951]

Love The Mex!

[@jorgejefferson8251]

My two favorite golfers are Trevino and Tiger, and Trevino is on top of that very short list.

[@stevehughes1510]

His story re 'not even God can hit a 1 iron' always amuses me and those hearing it for the first time..........a gem of a guy, a real champion and character.

[@timinclt7895]

I love LEE!!!

[@anneglines47]

Lee was one of the best.

[@sitbone3]

Semper Fi, brother.

[@williamtaylor5193]

Trevino could truly take out the left side of the golf course and that gave him tremendous confidence.

[@philleotta7201]

Trevino is a true icon. Frank is good at what he does too.

[@jimlongino8420]

My favorite story about him came from Paul Harvey who did a daily show on the radio. Some wealthy members of the Dallas country club were backing Raymond Floyd ( hottest college golfer in the country at the time) in a match against some other rich gentlemen who played at the public coarse who were backing " a Mexican kid who worked in the pro shop ". That day Raymond shot a 5-under 67; which was good enough to lose by 2 strokes. The name of the Mexican kid was Lee Trevino. " Now you know the rest of the story. " ( Paul's closing line) In Lee's day first place paid $25,000 and second paid $15,000. A reporter asked him about the pressure on a $10,000 putt. Lee replied " That's no pressure. Pressure is playing for $5 a hole with $2 in your pocket. "

[@josephlusardi1061]

You the man

[@jamesyu9926]

Greatest sports figure in modern times.

[@BobHuntDR]

I saw him with Chi Chi at the Skins game in the desert. Them with Fuzzy would crack us up every hole. Palmer was there but much more serious. ❤

[@grahamtaylor6507]

Love this guy ,,,Lee you were my hero growing up ,,read your life story and amazed sir ,,god bless you sir ,,from crazy golfing Scotsman,,and god won't be disappointed my friend he will be there with open arms ..

[@chrisdorgan8802]

God wouldn't be disappointed with Lee and even if he was he wouldn't be able to get a word in anyways lol , great player great personality

[@timchapman164]

Class act. He mentioned winning the Canadian Open twice in the interview. He actually won it three times. Greg Norman won it twice.

[@LesterMoore]

Apparently memory is the third thing that goes ...

[@shaunbeattie6557]

IF HE WASNT ONE OF THE BEST GOLFERS HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIANS THATS FOR SHORE

[@sisleymichael]

Semper Fi, Lee. A golf legend. They don't make pro golfers like that anymore.

[@robertbrown7470]

Looking good for 80+.

[@equisequis.55]

Author Itis Knee pain center? They got me back in the game again baby

[@capiche7396]

You have to watch the KZbin video of Lee describing the first time he met Raymond Floyd.

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Too bad he regrets not playing the Masters. But I commend him for doing so. What a great champion.

[@robandchristheateam5053]

Who needs antidepressants with Lee about. Ambassador legend stand up comic divine golfer. Love him.

[@jimmason8502]

Lee Buck and Chichi are in my fantasy foursome, true gentlemen and great characters and shot makers. Fourth might be Hogan or Bobby Jones.

[@justinterrordactyl6132]

Such an interesting character

[@philipcarthy2977]

Genius

[@jeffhodge7272]

He look so good 😍

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Contrast Lee Trevino with Cassius Clay. The 'Louisville Lip' would have faded into obscurity after just one loss. Mr. Trevino seems to have retained a humble sense of proportionality while projecting a similar sense of 'showmanship' in promoting an 'every person' sport.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

GOLF owes a great debt / tribute to Lee Trevino. Saudi money seems an obscene intrusion into that heritage.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

God bless Tony Finau (just sayin').

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Show me 4,000 teenagers whacking golf-balls around the Persian Gulf!

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Those towel-headed pezzanovante should stick to Formula-One racing and thoroughbred horses.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

The PGA is more than a 'for-profit' enterprise.

[@angelmatos9143]

He should be next to Jim Nantz at The Masters.

[@theguyshow3392]

I would pay to see that!

[@jameshoran8]

Augusta and Lee never mixed. Lee doesn't like the snobbery at the club and always resented the way he was treated. Perhaps, Fred Ridley could convince him to come back to the club and it would be a good idea if he was Jim Nantz's partner in the booth. Trevino knows Augusta probably better than anyone.

[@matherrjm]

My favourite story was Lee commenting on a £25,000 putt as a “pressure” putt. “No” he said. A pressure putt is for £10 when you’ve only got £5 in your pocket!

[@ikigai47]

Grizzly Adams DID have a beard

[@moemanncann895]

Asked about his second wife who also was named Claudia, Lee quipped ” I didn’t have to change the personalized bath towels “

[@turtleflegel6816]

Golfers look better than anyone in their 80s. They play their whole lives and it's cardio plus their organs stay elastic. Hair thick and shiny. Skin tight and tan. Teeth strong and white. Posture upright. And he used to drink beer, but quit long ago. And sharp as a tack -- cognitively he's lost literally nothing.

[@dean3434]

Just today (March 23, 2023) I had read that the latest is that golfers outlive non-golfers by about 5 years. Oops, I gotta go, got a t-time in an hour. All the Best Dean Seattle

[@thetowndrunk988]

@@dean3434Whoever did that study never saw my game. I’m one bad stroke away from having a damned stroke…..

[@jcman240]

I hope he gets another cameo in Happy Gilmore 2