Funny explanation on why Lee Trevino sent 30 dozen roses to Barbara Nicklaus in a single golf season
It was Lee Trevino’s idea. He needed to speak with Barbara Nicklaus first, though.
Having recently reached the age of fifty, Trevino was prepared to embark on the next phase of his career as a golf legend. His sights were now set on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, despite having won 29 times on the PGA Tour, including six major championships.
However, it implied that he would have to resume playing against his pal Jack Nicklaus. Just one year separated the two greats, and 1990 marked their debuts on the Champ tour. Trevino devised a strategy since he wasn’t yet tired of winning.
This week’s Subpar Podcast edition included Trevino, who is now eighty-four, as the guest. Trevino discussed his history with Augusta National, his fondest recollections, his battle with Nicklaus, and more. He also shared the tale of his incredible seven victories, including a U.S. Senior Open, during his rookie season on the Champions Tour.
On the secret to his success, well.
“When I turned 50, I won four of the first five tournaments on the senior tour,” Trevino boasted to Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, his co-hosts on Subpar. I stated to Barbara Nicklaus on the phone, ‘Listen, you keep Jack at home.'” Every time I play a tournament in which he stays at home, I will send you a dozen roses.
In 1990, I participated in 38 tournaments and gave her 30 dozen roses. He participated in just eight games. [Giggles]
That year, Nicklaus did indeed win the Regions Tradition, adding his name to the list of golfers who have won on the Champions Tour for the first time, but Trevino’s incredible season gave him the last laugh—both literally and symbolically, depending on how you listen to the podcast. (And in gratitude for a bouquet of roses he gave to Jack’s spouse.)
