Lee Trevino’s Timeless Putting Wisdom

Mastering Short Putts Like a Legend

Lee Trevino, one of the most legendary golfers of all time, has always been known for his wit, wisdom, and incredible ball-striking skills.¹

With 29 PGA Tour wins to his name, including six major championships, Trevino has cemented his legacy in golf history.

But beyond his trophies and accolades, Trevino’s greatest gift to the sport may be his ability to teach and simplify the game for others.

Recently, a viral video resurfaced featuring Trevino sharing his insights on how to never miss short putts. His advice, laced with humor and deep understanding, sheds light on the common mistakes amateurs make and how to fix them.

Why Do Golfers Miss Short Putts?

Trevino identified two major reasons why golfers struggle with short putts.

One of the primary reasons for missing short putts is simply a lapse in concentration. Golf requires mental focus, and even the shortest of putts can go astray if the mind isn’t fully engaged.

In a humorous yet insightful remark, Trevino pointed out that many golfers subconsciously expect their playing partners to concede the putt.

Instead of committing to the stroke, they wait for someone to say, “That’s good, pick it up.” When that doesn’t happen, they rush the putt and often miss.

Lee Trevino’s Simple Fix for Short Putts

To correct these mistakes, Trevino shared a simple adjustment that can instantly improve a golfer’s ability to make short putts consistently.²

Trevino suggested moving the left foot about three inches closer to the hole. This subtle adjustment shifts the ball position slightly back in the stance, ensuring a more controlled stroke.

By placing the ball more centrally, golfers naturally take a shorter backswing and a shorter follow-through. This reduces the risk of deceleration and promotes a more consistent stroke.

With the ball positioned correctly and a compact stroke, golfers can putt with confidence rather than fear. Confidence is crucial in putting, as doubt often leads to tentative strokes and missed putts.

The Impact of Trevino’s Advice

Trevino’s wisdom isn’t just theoretical—it has been validated by decades of success on the course. His ability to simplify complex aspects of the game makes his advice accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

His putting tip is especially valuable because it doesn’t require any drastic swing changes or hours of practice. Instead, it’s a quick and effective fix that can be implemented immediately.

The True Cause of Missed Short Putts

While the mental game plays a role, Trevino emphasized a key technical reason behind missed short putts: improper setup and stroke mechanics. Many golfers approach short putts the same way they approach long putts, which can lead to inconsistency.

Trevino explained that many golfers position the ball too far forward in their stance when attempting short putts.

This setup can cause the stroke to become too long, leading to unnecessary adjustments at impact.

When the putter moves too far back in the backswing, the natural tendency is to slow down before impact, leading to a decelerating stroke. This deceleration often causes the ball to veer off its intended line, either missing left or right.

Lee Trevino’s Legacy in Golf

At 85 years old, Trevino continues to inspire golf fans and players alike.³

He remains an active participant in the PNC Championship, an event where golf legends team up with their family members. In the 2024 edition, he finished tied for 15th, proving that his legendary ball-striking abilities are still intact.

His longevity in the sport speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and his ability to adapt.

While modern golf has changed with advancements in equipment and technology, Trevino’s fundamental principles remain timeless.

Lessons Beyond Golf: Trevino’s Approach to Life

Trevino’s insights extend beyond the golf course. His approach to the game reflects his overall philosophy on life—simple, effective, and filled with humor.

Despite his success, Trevino remains a student of the game. His willingness to learn and adapt has allowed him to remain competitive even in his later years.

Trevino’s humor and easygoing nature remind golfers that the game should be fun. Overthinking and stressing over results can often do more harm than good.

In a sport filled with advanced analytics and new training methods, Trevino’s advice reinforces the importance of fundamentals. Mastering the basics, such as proper ball position and a consistent stroke, can make a huge difference in performance.

How Modern Golfers Can Apply Trevino’s Advice

Even in the modern era of golf, Trevino’s advice remains relevant. Professional golfers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler all emphasize the importance of short putts in tournament play.

For amateur golfers, adopting Trevino’s putting method can lead to immediate improvements. Here’s how to apply his tips in your next round:

1. Check Your Ball Position – Ensure the ball is not too far forward in your stance.
2. Shorten Your Backswing – Keep the stroke compact and avoid unnecessary movements.
3. Trust Your Stroke – Putt with confidence, knowing your mechanics are sound.
4. Practice With Purpose – Spend time on the practice green implementing these changes.

Lee Trevino’s Major Championship Wins

Lee Trevino is one of the greatest golfers of all time, known for his unique personality, resilience, and incredible shot-making ability.

Over the course of his career, he won six major championships, leaving an unforgettable mark on the sport.

Although he never completed the career Grand Slam—falling short at The Masters—Trevino’s dominance at the U.S. Open, The Open Championship (British Open), and the PGA Championship solidified his place among golf’s elite.

In this article, we take a deep dive into each of Trevino’s major championship victories, exploring the significance of these wins and how they shaped his legendary career.

1. Lee Trevino’s Breakthrough at the 1968 U.S. Open

Lee Trevino’s first major championship win came in 1968 at the U.S. Open held at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.

Trevino entered the tournament as a relative underdog but put together one of the most consistent performances in U.S. Open history.

He became the first player ever to score four consecutive rounds in the 60s (69-68-69-69), finishing at 5-under-par 275—a record at the time.

He defeated Jack Nicklaus by four strokes, showcasing his ability to remain calm under pressure. This win catapulted him to stardom, proving that his unorthodox swing and fearless attitude could compete with the best.

2. The Incredible Double in 1971: U.S. Open and British Open

Trevino’s dominance reached new heights in 1971, when he won two major championships—the U.S. Open and The Open Championship (British Open).

The 1971 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club was one of the most thrilling in history. Trevino found himself in a playoff against Jack Nicklaus after both players finished the regulation rounds at even-par 280.

In an 18-hole playoff, Trevino played sensational golf, shooting a 68 compared to Nicklaus’ 71. During the playoff, he famously tossed a rubber snake at Nicklaus as a joke on the first tee, showing his signature humor even in tense moments.

Just a month after his U.S. Open triumph, Trevino traveled to Royal Birkdale in England for The Open Championship. He outplayed Lu Liang-Huan to win his first Claret Jug.

His four-round total of 278 (-14) showcased his adaptability to links golf, proving that his game was effective on any type of course.

3. Back-to-Back British Open Wins: The 1972 Open Championship

Trevino defended his Open Championship title in 1972 at Muirfield, one of the most iconic courses in Scotland.

The final round was dramatic, with Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, and Tony Jacklin all vying for the title. On the 71st hole, Jacklin was tied for the lead but made a double-bogey after an unlucky bunker shot, while Trevino scrambled for a par to take the lead.

Trevino eventually won by one stroke, becoming the first golfer since Arnold Palmer to win back-to-back British Opens.

• Trevino holed several clutch chips and putts in the final round, highlighting his incredible short game.
• This victory confirmed his status as a dominant player on the international stage.

4. The 1974 PGA Championship – Overcoming the Heat at Tanglewood

Trevino won his first PGA Championship in 1974 at Tanglewood Park in North Carolina.

The tournament was played in extremely hot and humid weather, making it a battle of endurance as much as skill.

Trevino finished at 4-under-par 276, winning by one stroke over Jack Nicklaus. His iron play and putting were superb, allowing him to edge out one of the greatest golfers of all time.

This victory made him only the fourth player in history to win all three of golf’s majors except The Masters.

5. The Last Major: 1984 PGA Championship at Shoal Creek

A decade after his first PGA Championship win, Trevino claimed his final major victory in the 1984 PGA Championship at Shoal Creek, Alabama.

At 44 years old, Trevino showed that he still had what it took to compete at the highest level.

• He shot a final-round 69 to hold off Gary Player and Lanny Wadkins.
• His winning score of 273 (-15) was the lowest in PGA Championship history at that time.
• Trevino became the oldest PGA Championship winner at the time.
• This was his sixth and final major, capping off a remarkable career.

Why Lee Trevino Never Won The Masters?

Despite his success in other majors, Trevino never won The Masters. His best finishes at Augusta National were T10 in 1975 and 1985.

Reasons for Struggles at Augusta

1. Shot Shape – Trevino played a left-to-right fade, while Augusta National generally favors a right-to-left draw.
2. Putting on Fast Greens – The slick greens at Augusta were notoriously difficult, and putting was never Trevino’s strongest skill.
3. Course Discomfort – Trevino openly admitted that he never felt comfortable at Augusta, skipping the tournament several times early in his career.

While missing out on a Masters win kept him from a career Grand Slam, Trevino’s achievements in other majors still make him one of golf’s all-time greats.

Even though his last major win came in 1984, Trevino’s impact on the game remains strong.

Key Aspects of His Legacy

Overcame Humble Beginnings – Trevino grew up in poverty and worked as a golf course caddie before turning professional.
One of the Best Ball Strikers Ever – His precision with irons and ability to shape shots made him a formidable competitor.
Charismatic and Entertaining – Trevino was known for his humor and on-course chatter, which made him a fan favorite.
Six-Time Major Winner – Only a handful of golfers in history have won more majors than Trevino.

His influence can still be seen today in many players who admire his unique style and fearless approach to the game.