Lee Trevino: An American Champion

This documentary details Lee Trevino's victory in the 1971 U.S. Open Championship at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., and his unusual journey to the top of the game. Trevino, a fan favorite, defeated Jack Nicklaus in an 18-hole playoff to win his second U.S. Open title. Trevino overcame a four-stroke deficit entering the final round to force the playoff, which is famously remembered for Trevino breaking the ice beforehand with a rubber snake.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) conducts many of golf's most prestigious championships, highlighted by the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women's Open and the world’s premier amateur championships. Based in Liberty Corner, N.J., the USGA governs the game in the U.S., its territories and Mexico.
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[@bransonwillis1672]

In April of 1971 I was a senior at FSU. Lee was playing the Tallahassee Open. It was a Sunday, last round, and hot as blue blazes in Tally with humidity in the high 80's. My girl and I had followed Lee all holes up and down the hilly course. At the 17th hole we were standing at the players water barrel when he came over to get a cup. Sue kinda let out a moan when she saw his water because she was hot and thirsty. Lee looked at her, realized immediately how she felt and and gave her the cup he had just filled. Then while patting her on the shoulder and talking to her he got her another one. She told him how we had been with him all day and he thanked her and said, "Thank you and if I win this I'm going to win it for you." He was one down to the leader in the clubhouse and then birded 17 and 18 to win it. When he came off 18 he went right to Sue and gave her a big hug. The joy this man gave to golf fans will live forever. From Tallahassee, he went on the win the Canadian Open, the U.S. Open and the British Open that summer.

[@arkalec9060]

Great story thanks for sharing.

[@brunobeatz6182]

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing this!

[@929mmr]

Great story. I always disliked his swing but enjoyed his personality.

[@albandb9366]

Amazing story ! 😍

[@sanibelcaptivatourist9025]

@@929mmr lol

[@tdbarton7712]

In high school I worked 2 jobs; I saw how hard my parents worked & wanted to do my part. Tournament Sundays however, were reserved for watching golf with my dad. At 13 I knew all the players, their strengths and character from watching & listening to my dad. Trevino was one of his favorites, although he appreciated all the pros. Twice hee played in the CA State Amateur tournament in the mid-60s but I was too young to know. He was my favorite person in the world to play golf with. In high school I observed that if you didn't do well on the President's Physical Fitness assessment you got assigned to 'special' PE which included golf, fencing and archery. I flubbed my assessment & got to pitch balls instead of sweating on hot asphalt volleyball courts. My Dad and I played golf for the next 40 years. From the skinny girl with the over-the-top 9 handicap swing, lifetime admirer of his Magic 8, Rest In Peach Dad.

[@garrymack]

What a wonderful story. Thanks for Sharing. I'm jealous!

[@pizzadeliverydriver]

He practiced more than any golfer ever will. A real champion 🏆

[@Revheadrev]

This is a great video for folks who keep saying there is systemic racism in the USA. People like Lee Trevino disprove that completely. What a legend of the game and a great bloke to boot.

[@jadesmith6823]

How beautiful and humble of Jack Nicklaus to tell Lee how good he was ❤️🙏

[@e.g.flores2819]

Lee Trevino came to our public golf course in Montebello California (The Quiet Cannon), in the 1970's because a member friend of Trevino from Texas knew him. Lee showed up in a motor home with James Garner, (Actor), Maury Wills, ( who played for the Dodgers), Johnny Mathis, (singer) and a trick-shot artist who's name i forgot, but anyway what a treat. There was only 20 of us that had been invited by our friend, so we followed Lee for about 16 holes because he had to catch a plane, but he went out of his way for his longtime friend and came over to say hi and gave us an exhibtion. Lee never missed a fairway and he was on top of his game that he manhandled our course. Lee's friend would always tell us that he knew Lee, and we would say " BS" you don't know him. So he said, "you watch, one day i am goind to get him over here," and we would laugh and say, ok, yea, yea, yea. Then one day we got a call, "Hey guys, get you're asses over to the course and what a surprise. To this day i still can't wipe the egg off of my face.

[@TDAlan]

Lee Trevino gives any talented golfer the hope of becoming a champion.

[@KenWilliamson]

I just want to point out Jack Nicklaus' massive smile as Trevino lifted the cup. Jack lost, and yet seems just as happy for Trevino as he would have been for himself. Nicklaus was always like that. He just played the game on a different level.

[@ScratchArkkitehti]

it freed him up tremendously....probably why he won tons.

[@part1801]

The best sportsman ever

[@christiansfortruth5953]

Lee had the best and most natural uncomplicated swing of any golfer. And a real human being. A real mench.

[@floridagolf2010]

Lee showed pretty much for the first time that anybody no matter colour or creed can get to the top of their sport. Inspirational... love the Merry mex

[@blacklight4460]

The control he has over that low fade is a wonder to behold.

[@robertcoleman4861]

A beautiful documentary, Hollywood should make a motion picture about his life cheer's bob.

[@truthseeker502]

His infectious smile and sense of humor... and abundant talent. How could you not love Lee Travino?

[@kennethtaylor760]

You can’t! He’s an America icon!

[@jeffedwards823]

Trevino

[@truthseeker502]

@@jeffedwards823 forgive this careless speller.

[@jeffedwards823]

@@truthseeker502 a very important man,I caddied for in the Desert.😀

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

Had the privilege of hearing him "speak" at a charity event. There are few folks that can hold a crowd in giddy rapture and make a salient point with seemingly no effort. Such a generous soul.

[@jadesmith6823]

I'm from Australia... I'm a 44 year old male and I can tell you only three things about this game and how far watching this of a legendary golfer, was the last of the greats that did it hard with a happy positive attitudes and my dear Dad handed me a set of Spaulding Lee Trevino cavity back irons... I pictured these irons to play with a natural instinct like the name... I went from a 18 handicap to 3 from the age of 14 to 16 and bagged heaps 🙏❤️🙌 It's all about muscle knowledge of 7000 yards to the environment, muscle memory, being happy and humble ❤️🙏🙌

[@RG-ja34sep]

In my opinion Lee Trevino is the greatest personality the game of golf has ever seen. What a character, his story is unrivaled, especially when you consider his upbringing and background. Man, I would love to meet this legend in person.

[@s.l.9959]

What a great documentary. Didn't know much about him, but how I admire and respect all of his accomplishments.

[@tonyvasquez1393]

Trevino was the best ball striker ever! He will always be my favorite golfer. He was the most entertaining golfer ever. He was and is a good man too, someone everyone can love. Long live Lee Trevino!

[@arkalec9060]

What a character. His friends must be some of the luckiest people on earth. What I would pay to have a few beers with Lee and just listen to his stories.

[@jessemiranda326]

Back in the past, the greatest players❤

[@bitemenow609]

Love it. Could listen to Trevino for hours.

[@markhayward7400]

"The kid from a shack in Dallas." Lee Trevino's story has to be one of the most inspiring not just in golf but in any sport. He played the game with a smile and a swing that few would copy. He also played the game with steel and a determination to win that came from his humble origins. Lee was a hustler, and, for him, the stakes were always high.

[@NocyMusic]

Unforgettable legend Lee Trevino

[@YahooMurray]

I was in Vietnam January 13, 1971 to January 2, 1972. I wish I could have watched Trevino live that year in all his tournaments on tv. I am from Memphis and he always supported our tournament even when many pros skipped it. He will always be my all time favorite and I would rather have his autograph than any other player, living or dead.

[@michaelmaese2247]

Makes me proud to be an El Pasoan and Golfer

[@stevesmith6685]

Excellent. Exempliary. What America is and still should be all about... opportunity and hard work. And damn, Lee is a great golfer and has a hell of a sense of humor. A winner.

[@FerrariDMC]

When I was about 15 the Ballard Boys and girls club in Washington state brought kids to a PGA tour at a local Club. I met Mr. Trevino and I believe a man named George Archer. I didn’t Caddy but was allowed to hold a quiet sign up twice at the tournament (with instruction lol), and I still have that quiet sign. I also was one of the kids Mr. Trevino bought ice cream for on the 7-9th hole. He was a very kind man.

[@nicted9308]

Talk about a rags to riches story this is right up there what a great a guy.

[@DavidTarekVidaaa]

What an Inspiration!. I am Mexican American and I remember the 1st time I watched him was on the Senior Tour in the early 90's. I immediately notices his charistma and Grit of a Champion eventhough he was already semi retired! Mr. Trevino you are our Hero! Much love and respect from Phoenix Az! A movie by Disney should be made about him, maybe George Lopez could play him!!

[@johnnymossville]

This gave me goosebumps. Lee Trevino has a heart of gold. Jack even set up the win by helping Lee get his confidence back months earlier. We need champions like Lee out there today.

[@jr-xs9tf]

It was once said that Lee was a medical miracle. His mouth is worn out but his ears are brand new.

[@refinedhayseedappalachian9777]

I had the pleasure of following Trevino on two or three occasions when he played on the Senior Tour in Naples, Florida. He was a wizard with the game. He made golf look easy and he was by far the most interesting player to watch as he made jokes with the crowd.

[@salfordnick5336]

My favourite golfer, coming from a very poor background made me like him even more. He was like seve, a genius and being from the North of England from a real working class background of coal miners, he was someone I looked up to.....if he could do it so could I! Brilliant idol

[@richardsandson]

What a wonderful film doing justice to the most charismatic man golf has ever known. He would be first pick in my fantasy 4 ball every time. Its good to read the comments from every one else too...There's always so much respect among golfers.

[@tplomonte]

3 time Canadian open Champion, adopted Canadian Son.. those young ones from all walks of life should take a good look at where he came from.. Really would love just have an chance listen to his stories and have him show you and motivate you ... great motivator inspiration mentor!

[@FedFire8404]

Was lucky enough to see him play at the Blue Angel Classic in Milton Florida in 1999. Only a handful of people in this game have influenced the next generation to achieve their dreams. Quimet, Arnold, Tiger, Spieth, Mickelson to name a few, but for kids in my era it was Lee. He put the love of the game and the determination to succeed. Thanks Lee.

[@coegj]

I would love to have meal with Lee and just let him talk, I just love his stories and the way his drive and desire to excel in the game of golf and life is infectious. It would be a time at a table to remember for ever.

[@anthonygonzales1897]

U gotta love Travino. What a character😊.

[@RicardoMartinez-hi2to]

Trevino

[@anthonygonzales1897]

@@RicardoMartinez-hi2to Trevino 🤗👍

[@jc6594]

Happy 80th Birthday Lee Trevino

[@williamstone8470]

Lovely film, humorous and inspiring. I don't think historically Trevino gets the press he deserves. No doubt at all that he was one of the all-time great ball strikers, with an amazing ability to manoeuvre and control the golf ball. To all the young golfers out there, watch everything you can find on this guy. There will never be another like him. When he retired a true legend left the game, and he left it better than he found it. Not a bad legacy.

[@jc238]

Being brought up dirt poor , loving golf and feeling inferior to the golf snobs are things I have shared with Lee. Unfortunately I never shared Lee’s magical gift for the game. He has always been my favourite golfer right back to when I was a kid in the late 60s.

[@marcilyn751crawford9]

There are few professional golfers that I enjoy watching. You are my favorite. Lee Trevino you are my absolute favorite to watch because I love listening to you as well

[@tyzxcj34]

Happy 80th Lee. Amazing life from super humble beginnings

[@colbydavey4489]

“You didn’t beat the best the best was here”

[@colinkessel3505]

Iii

[@DanielYim02]

Took me a while to place the narrator's voice... Andy Garcia is perfect and a serious golfer to boot!

[@MrMark945]

Really??? I didn't know Andy garcia was good

[@preachingplayingprospectin8242]

Awesome story! Thank you, USGA.

[@jadesmith6823]

How many souls would pull out a fake snake, joviality of a walk, giggle and experience of this game ❤️❤️❤️❤️ What it's all about legends 🙏🤣❤️🙌

[@tacey01]

I remember this very well. I’m from the same home town as Jim Simons and I was a junior golfer at the time on my high school golf team. It still saddens me that Jimmy couldn’t finish that Open with a win. RIP Jimmy!!!

[@Turfmastr]

My dads a huge lee fan and I see why now.

[@tplomonte]

Thank you Mr Trevino my mother favourite player !!! My favourite player because he was from the other side of the tracks and good play!!!

[@tplomonte]

Lee could play and back it up more times than not

[@tplomonte]

He give Tiger JD Rory Spieth Thomas all a run for the money and then some

[@patricklee780]

I was a pretty good amateur back in the day. I saw Lee play. After that I was hooked and bought Trevino shirts. Too bad though I never had the confidence he had. Let me tell you folks, not only was he one of the greatest ball strikers ever but he had very little fear and that's what separates the men from the boys.

[@carloscrawford2454]

Lee’s the man!

[@alanhopkins4441]

Man this is the one guy I would of loved to have had the honour of playing with - thank you Lee 👍

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Man, I wouldn't wanna play with him. He was such a genius. What a legend and a magician in the game.

[@brucecrawford-if8mb]

Bert Yancey taught me the golf swing in Hilton Head Island in South Carolina from 1978 to 1980. I worked in his golf school at Shipyard Plantation. After two weeks working with Bert Yancey. Bert looked at me and said Bruce your like Lee Trevino, you never shut up. But Lee Trevino out there beating your brains out. Bert Yancey was one great player and teacher of the game of golf.

[@dttruman]

A truly great champion!

[@sappermade6012]

Trevino and Nicklaus !! Great Friends Great Rivalry 2 of the BEST ever

[@Pronzini1]

The Greatest Rags To Riches story in golf history. The blue collar former Marine who beat the rich country club kids and never backed down. Lee Trevino brought the common people into the game.

[@randolphstephenson]

Alas. All Hail Lee Trevino ! Super Mex. Take a Bow Kind Sir.👍👑🙏😇

[@robertdavey1991]

Thank you to all involved with this just pure joy to watch 🙏🏌‍♂️❤

[@ahol9120]

Grizzly Adams did have a beard! One of the best talents and personalites golf has ever seen!

[@sas6561]

Seriously!!! ... spelling Merion as "Marian" over and over again in the typed words of this piece. WHO CAN BE THIS STUPID???

[@dkj4183]

His final comment in this video...so powerful and inspirational. So, I'm gonna work on my game and work on this here piano I just stare at often... Dean Jackson Seattle I should be playing good golf here in Seattle because, like Lee Trevino, he plays best when it rains. All the Best

[@ugaais]

Love Lee Watson Jack and Arnold all amazing

[@johnserrano8683]

Golf giant! Total class act that's why I play the game! And play it well! Thank you LEE !

[@jadesmith6823]

What other Pro in 2022 would enjoy and embrace a time towards entertainment and especially towards that child who fell out of a tree while just enjoying the game... I tip my hat to this moment in time of the game Mr Trevino ❤️

[@BuckheadVolvoS4]

Really impressed with Mr. Trevino’s wonderful life and successful career….from Japan …

[@sappermade6012]

There will never be a match up like this again

[@oldschoolmuscle4436]

Awesome! Never saw this one before. Thanks for posting.

[@bobthomas475]

Wonderful man and one of the greatest of golfers! Glad I got to see him play. Always wanted him to win a Masters but he said the course did not fit his game!

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

Learned to play the wind watching him, punch shots with a fade. We grew up out West and always played in the wind late in the day.

[@Richardbh14]

Amaizing and inspirational story. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidkim3854]

He is the original shallower of the club and driving through with his right side. All the modern pros swing like this now. Best ball striker!!

[@fly1327]

I started playing golf in 1995, so would go to Seniors tournaments every year when they played here in So Cal. Who to follow? Lee, of course. On a really windy day watched Lee on the driving range set up from the farthest left spot he could and hit a wedge across and just in front of where others would hit. He was alone out there except for his caddy and talking up a storm, me wondering what he was doing. When changing clubs for the 2nd time I realized he was hitting shots to the bases of the telephone poles holding up the net, one pole at a time, and doing it really well. This aiming left to the next pole and clubbing up continued all the way thru driver, hitting nice shots out to the farthest pole in 20-30 mph wind, still jabbering during his shots with his caddie. A really talented and fun player to follow back in the day!

[@tplomonte]

Takes a hell of a players to when 2 US British Open Canadian open in a one year never mind a career

[@chris2513-cc]

On that first US Open $20 entry fee: “You pay your money, and you take your ride!”

[@biondiungserwon1454]

He was my student long time ago , his swing plan was not like other . So practice lot of time. He is one of my old memory. Good life.

[@adama4791]

Lee is definitely my golf idol

[@TheSteve1126]

The American Dream personified, personally one of my favorite golfers ever.

[@tplomonte]

Happy Birthday to the Merry Mex Lee Trevino

[@MomentumTelevision]

Respect to the master LEE TREVINO. Thank You.

[@dxdelafu]

I was driving in Plano, TX once and saw about a hundred cars parked around D. A. Weibring’s golf range. So I parked and sure enough, Lee Treviño was holding a clinic. Anybody there, including D. A., would agree, it was incredible what he could do with a golf ball.

[@JamesPeacock]

LOVED this thank you.

[@incidentalist]

"Grizzly Adams DID have a beard."

[@nuggetdoozy7831]

This was amazing. Lee.. was he just great or what

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

...and a USPGA? Saw him in the first Belfry Ryder and the Dunlop Masters at Sant Pierre, Wales. A great man.

[@warholscircus]

Give a poor hungry man an even playing field, and he will destroy you because he has to... that is Lee Buck Trevino. The most grateful to ever play the game.

[@johnbaird7549]

My daddy gave me a set of “Faultless” Lee Trevino when I was a teenager.

[@kevinneary8798]

Best of the best as far as striking a golf ball

[@K._Oss]

The People’s champion of golf.

[@amilias1000]

Amazing

[@jaimetenorio7772]

Viva la raza órale carnales follow this man simple yes we can órale 🙏💪

[@MM-qi5mk]

That chip shot on 18 was magnificent

[@jcee6886]

My guys had to work😅

[@part1801]

These guys could definitely play and with the equipment they used you definitely had to hit it solid.

[@jadesmith6823]

Bless you Mr Trevino ❤️🙏🙌

[@healthyone100]

iwasn' a big fan of Lee but i loved the way he hit the ball!

[@LeeTrevinoFans]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR TREVINO!

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

What a great man.

[@KJ-rb7kn]

‘67 Leaderboard gave me goosebumps

[@jadesmith6823]

And dibs Mr Trevino on how you treated your caddie as a brother compared to others of this chapter of the PGA 🙌❤️

[@sappermade6012]

Trevino did bring golf to blue collar folks def hugely important

[@wreckim]

How did Lee not be intimidated by Jack and all those pretty swings from all those other PGA tour players, and how Jack took Lee's ascent from nowhere, and welcomed it--I will never know. It made one Lee Trevino great, and one Jack Nicklaus, The Greatest.