From EssentiallySports · Abhimanyu Gupta · · 1m 10s
Lightning Strike Nearly Killed Lee Trevino
Lee Trevino survived a 1975 lightning strike that caused severe injuries but reshaped his golf career.
In brief
Lee Trevino survived a 1975 lightning strike that caused severe injuries but reshaped his golf career. Lee Trevino survived a 1975 lightning strike that caused spinal injuries and required back surgery but returned to competitive golf. Originally reported by EssentiallySports.
Lee Trevino's Lightning Strike
Lee Trevino survived a lightning strike during the 1975 Western Open at Butler National Golf Club.
Trevino Struck by Lightning
A bolt of lightning traveled through marsh and reached Trevino via metal spikes in his shoes.
Trevino's Experience
Trevino described seeing his life flash before his eyes and losing consciousness.
“When people say that everything flashes in front of you … your whole life … it really does”
Injuries Sustained
Trevino suffered burns on his back and spinal disc damage requiring two back operations.
Heard and Nichols Injured
Jerry Heard had burns to his upper right leg and was hospitalized overnight; Bobby Nichols suffered head burns and observation.
Trevino's Adaptation
Trevino changed his swing posture and approach to play after spinal injuries.
“I now stand more upright and I don’t cut the ball like I used to”
Lightning Safety Lesson
The incident highlights why golfers must seek shelter during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes.
What to remember
Lee Trevino survived a 1975 lightning strike that caused spinal injuries and required back surgery but returned to competitive golf.
