Lee Trevino Biography

Lee Trevino is one of the most successful American professional golfers. Born into abject poverty, he endured a difficult childhood. He could not attend school regularly, and became a caddy. Being a caddy meant that he could watch many professionals at play, and also practice his golf shots. Soon, he progressed from being a caddy to playing golf as a U.S Marine and a hustler gambling on his golf shots, to a successful rookie professional golfer. His first success came at the U. S Open at Oakhill. His best year came in the early 1970s, when, in a span of just twenty days he had added the Canadian Open and the British Open to his second U.S Open title. His 29 career wins include six major championships. He has the distinction of being one of the four golfers to twice win the U.S. Open, The Open Championship (the British Open) and the PGA Championship. The only major title that eluded him was the Augusta Masters, a tournament he bypassed many times because he felt that his style could never win there. Off the golf course, he was reclusive, but on it, was an avid chatter and very witty. Nicknamed "the Merry Mex" and "Supermex", he emerged as a face of hope and success for many Mexican Americans.