|
Lee Trevino headed for Muirfield in 1972 to defend his Open crown in
what turned out to be one of the most exciting tournaments ever seen. He
opened the event with rounds of 71 & 70 and was paired with
England's Tony Jacklin for the final two days. The third round
was,perhaps,the turning point as Trevino fired a 66 thanks to five
consecutive birdies at the end of his round. The birdie barrage started
with long putts at the 14th & 15th and he then had a remarkable
slice of luck when hitting the flag and watching the ball drop into the
cup after thinning his bunker shot on the 16th. The par-5 17th was
birdied after reaching the green in two and on the 18th he hit through
the green in two only to hole his return chip. Jacklin walked off the
course no doubt cursing his luck as he lay one shot behind,despite
playing the better golf. The following day was nip and tuck all the way
until the 17th where the Englishman seemed to have gained the upper
hand. It was not so,however,as Trevino chipped in and Jacklin nervously
three putted from 15 feet. The demoralised Englishman made five at the
last and slipped down to third place behind Jack Nicklaus leaving the
little Texan to celebrate his second successive Open Championship. The
following year saw Trevino victorious in a couple of events and
performing with distinction once again in the Ryder Cup as the Americans
eased to a comfortable 18 1/2-13 1/2 win. He contributed four points
from a possible six to go along with the three and a half points that he
had won on his debut two years earlier. (David Scranage)
|