Golf legend Lee Trevino recounted the details of his 1971 Open Championship victory at Royal Birkdale, sharing colorful anecdotes about gambling, drinking with actor Jimmy Dean, and a peculiar promise made to two nuns. The 86-year-old, known for his storytelling, detailed the circumstances surrounding his third major title win.
Trevino explained that in the weeks leading up to the 1971 Open, he had also won the U.S. Open and the Canadian Open. Upon arriving at Royal Birkdale, he was approached by two nuns requesting a donation for a Catholic orphanage. Trevino promised them £5,000 if he won the tournament.
His stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel, situated above the kitchen, proved warm and offered little respite for sleep. This led him to spend time with actor Jimmy Dean, who was filming 'Diamonds Are Forever' and would nap on a bench outside Trevino's hotel. Their routine involved visiting the Kingsway Casino together, often until the early morning hours, where Trevino was introduced to red wine.
Despite his unconventional nights, Trevino started his final round strongly, making four birdies in his first five holes. After securing his first Open Championship, he met the nuns, took them to the casino for a drink, and then gave them the promised money. Trevino humorously noted that after accounting for caddie fees, flights, accommodation, and the donation to the nuns, he believed he lost money on the trip.
Trevino, who was born into poverty and raised by a single mother, overcame significant challenges to become one of golf's greatest players. He won 92 titles worldwide, including two Claret Jugs, but never won the Masters, which he boycotted for a period due to issues with tournament organizers.
He also spoke about his early life and how he only began playing golf at age 22, after serving four years in the Marines. Before that, he worked in construction and caddied. His talent quickly became apparent, and he was soon playing for money against established players, including future Masters champion Raymond Floyd.
Trevino also detailed his experiences with legendary gambler Titanic Thompson, whom he met in Dallas in the early 1960s. Thompson, a skilled golfer and hustler, facilitated matches for Trevino, allowing him to compete for significant sums. Trevino recalled hustling opponents even after beating them with clubs, once using a taped glass Dr Pepper bottle as a club to hit the ball over 100 yards.
A significant event in Trevino's life was being struck by lightning during a tournament in Chicago in 1975. He described the initial sensation as warm and painless, but he woke up an hour later experiencing pain throughout his body. He humorously referred to himself as 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' due to the severity of the incident, and the amount of metal required to repair his body left him wary of junkyard magnets.
Reflecting on the greatest golfers, Trevino considers Jack Nicklaus the GOAT for his 18 majors, but believes Tiger Woods was the better player due to his broader skillset. He also offered his prediction for the upcoming Open at Birkdale, favoring Scottie Scheffler, whom he met when Scheffler was a child.
Trevino's career was marked by his grit, determination, and unique personality, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries. He is known for his hard work ethic, often practicing extensively after his rounds, sometimes with a six-pack of beer, which he jokingly stated he wouldn't replace with water.
His tales, from promising money to nuns to surviving a lightning strike, underscore the extraordinary life and career of one of golf's most beloved figures.