Let’s talk about Lee Trevino. The man was a walking legend. And the big question: how many majors did he actually win?
The answer is six. Yes, six major championships. But this isn't just a number—it's a story.
Think about that. Six times, he walked off the 18th green as the best in the world. For a guy who started as a caddie, that’s insane.
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Here’s the breakdown. He won two U.S. Opens (1968, 1971). He won two Open Championships (1972, 1974). And he snagged two PGA Championships (1974, 1984).
Notice something missing? No Masters. That’s the only major he never conquered. He came close, but Augusta just didn’t love him back.
Still, six majors is a monster haul. Only 20 players in history have more. That puts him in the same conversation as Nick Faldo, Phil Mickelson, and even Sam Snead.
The 1971 U.S. Open: A masterpiece of absurdity
Let’s zoom in on 1971. Trevino beat Jack Nicklaus in an 18-hole playoff. But here’s the weird part: he threw a rubber snake at Jack on the first tee.
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Yes, a rubber snake. He did it to break the tension. And it worked—he won by two strokes. Quirky? Absolutely. Effective? Totally.
That win was his second major. He already had one from 1968. But this one cemented his reputation as the Merry Mex—a guy who could clown around and still crush the field.
The Open Championships: Home away from home
Now, the British Opens. Trevino won at Muirfield in 1972. And then again at Royal Lytham in 1974. Those courses are windy, tricky, and unforgiving. Perfect for a fighter.
He called the British crowds “the best in the world.” They loved his banter. He’d crack jokes in the rain, then hit a shot that defied physics. It was magic.
Fun fact: in 1972, he shot a final-round 66 to beat Nicklaus by a shot. Jack was furious. Lee was grinning. That’s the Trevino way.
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The PGA Championships: Late-career surprises
His first PGA win was in 1974 at Tanglewood. He beat Jack again—this time by a shot. Sensing a pattern? The man owned the Golden Bear in major playoffs.
Then came 1984. Trevino was 44 years old. That’s ancient in golf years. Most players are past their prime. But he won the PGA at Shoal Creek by four shots.
He did it with a putter that looked like a garden tool. No joke—it was a weird, long-shafted thing. But it worked. That win made him the oldest PGA champion at the time. Age is just a number.
Why only six? Why not more?
Some people ask, “Why didn’t he win the Masters?” The answer is simple: Augusta National didn’t suit his game. Trevino hit low, piercing shots. Augusta rewards high, soft landings.
He also had a serious back injury. In 1975, he was struck by lightning at a tournament. That messed up his spine. He played in pain for years. Six majors while battling that? That’s grit.
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And let’s be honest—he wasn’t obsessed with records. He was obsessed with having fun. He’d rather crack a beer and tell stories than grind over putts.
The numbers don’t lie, but the vibe is better
Statistically, Trevino’s six majors are elite. He’s tied with Faldo, Mickelson, and Lee Trevino himself (wait, that’s circular). But stats don’t capture his chaos.
He once played a round with a Dr Pepper in his hand instead of a putter. He told reporters, “I’m not a machine. I’m a person.” That’s why we love him.
Compare him to Nicklaus (18 majors) or Tiger (15). Trevino has fewer. But he did it his way: loud, proud, and laughing.
Fun facts to impress your friends
Did you know Trevino learned to play golf with a tin can for a club? No kidding. He was a poor kid from Texas who made his own gear.
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Also, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. That’s where he honed his discipline. But he also honed his trash talk. He once said, “You don’t know what pressure is until you play for five dollars with only two in your pocket.”
Finally, his swing was a thing of beauty. Ugly beauty. He called it “the chicken wing.” But that swing produced six majors. So who’s laughing now?
Why this matters (even if you don’t golf)
Lee Trevino’s story isn’t just about golf. It’s about resilience. He came from nothing, overcame injuries, and beat the best. His six majors are proof that personality wins, too.
Next time you’re struggling, think of Trevino. He’d probably tell you to relax. Maybe throw a rubber snake at your problem. Then go out and win.
So, how many majors did Lee Trevino win? Six. But the real answer is: enough to make him unforgettable. And that’s the best stat of all.