The Hawaiian Open; Just Another Routine Experience for Trevino

It all started before the Hawaiian Open, probably when Lee Trevino married a Scandinavian. Or maybe before that, when he won the sit-up challenge of the U.S. Marine Corps. Then came 45 minutes in a hot shower. Followed by a lovely $25,000 check for first place in the $125,000 Hawaiian Open. The hot shower Friday cured the backache that Trevino got when he did a sit-up while getting out of bed to avoid bumping his wife who was sunburned so badly she screamed when she was touched. “She looks like a lobster,” Trevino said, “That’s what I get for marrying a Scandinavian. This Hawaiian sun wouldn’t bother a Mexican.” The sun kept the temperatures in the high 80’s for most of the event, but that didn’t affect the “Mighty Mex”.

Trevino said he got off to a seemingly bad start to the event due to a backache. “I just couldn’t seem to swing right” Trevino said. “I used to be sit-up champion of the Marine Corps – once I did 610 of them without a break – and my back has never been the same since.”

Lee Trevino and Ted Makalena; A solid bond…

Trevino capped off the victory on the final day by birdieing the 15th and 18th holes. This put his final round score at 68 and a tournament total of 272. 16 under par. Trevino, who is a close friend of Hawaii native Ted Makalena, who won this event just two years prior in 1966. Sadly, Makalena passed away just two months prior to Trevino’s win at the Waialae golf course in a swimming accident. Trevino was even quoted saying “I wanted to win this one for Ted.” Interestingly enough Trevino’s caddy throughout his victorious week was one of Makalena’s brothers, Harry. Trevino ended up shooting 68-71-65-68 for a 272…two strokes ahead of the next, George Archer at 274.