Lee Trevino: Scottie Scheffler is Becoming Like Jack Nicklaus | Golf.com

Lee Trevino, a celebrated figure in golf history, believes Scottie Scheffler is exhibiting traits reminiscent of Jack Nicklaus, widely considered the greatest golfer of all time. Trevino shared his observations during an appearance on the PGA Championships’ YouTube channel, as reported by Golf.com on April 30, 2026.

Trevino’s comparison wasn’t centered on golfing prowess alone, but rather on a broader understanding of priorities. He recounted a story from a Ryder Cup event where Nicklaus missed a function because his daughter had a volleyball match. This incident, Trevino explained, revealed a depth to Nicklaus that extended beyond the game itself.

“And that’s when I realized,” Trevino said, “you know, there’s more to this game.”

Lee Trevino

Trevino further emphasized his respect for Nicklaus’s dedication to his family, stating, I respect his golf, but I respect his fatherhood more. He was the best dad I have ever seen in my life. This perspective, Trevino suggested, is a key element in understanding Nicklaus’s enduring legacy.

While Trevino initially felt his own humble beginnings shielded him from pressure – I didn’t know what the hell pressure was, he remarked – he acknowledged learning valuable lessons from observing Nicklaus. He noted that Nicklaus’s ability to balance his professional commitments with his personal life demonstrated a level of maturity and perspective that resonated with Trevino.

Scheffler’s Recent Form and Experimentation

The conversation with Trevino also touched upon Scheffler’s current form and recent experimentation with his putting technique. Trevino expressed a degree of concern regarding Scheffler’s willingness to alter his approach, despite already achieving significant success. According to a Golf.com article from March 13, 2025, Trevino described Scheffler as “lovely” and “unbelievable,” but admitted to being “scared” by his recent changes.

Scheffler has been experimenting with a claw grip and different putters, including the TaylorMade Spider mallet, and working with putting coach Phil Kenyon. Trevino questioned the necessity of these changes, given Scheffler’s previous accomplishments, which include eight tournament wins and an Olympic gold medal.

“He’s just a lovely guy,” Trevino said during Golf Channel’s coverage of the Players Championship. “I mean, he’s a super individual. I mean, we couldn’t have a better number one. … He’s unbelievable. Right now, here’s what scares me, is he is starting to experiment with his putter. He’s experimenting with different putters now, and he’s changed the grip. And winning seven tournaments and $62 million wasn’t enough, god dang it.”

Lee Trevino

Scheffler himself explained that the changes were a result of ongoing efforts to refine his game, stating he and Kenyon had fiddled around with the new grip and found benefits. Despite Trevino’s reservations, Scheffler’s continued success suggests his experimentation is yielding positive results.

Trevino’s Career vs. Scheffler’s Earnings

The comparison between Trevino and Scheffler also highlights the evolving financial landscape of professional golf. MSN reported on April 30, 2026, that Trevino played in 481 PGA Tour events and made 409 cuts during his career, while Scheffler’s 2025 payout alone demonstrates the significant increase in earnings available to top golfers in the modern era.

While specific career earnings for Trevino were not detailed in the provided sources, the contrast with Scheffler’s recent financial success underscores the substantial growth in prize money and sponsorship opportunities within the sport.

Trevino’s observations regarding Scheffler’s character and dedication, coupled with his comparison to Nicklaus, offer a compelling perspective on the current state of professional golf and the qualities that define its most successful players. His comments suggest that Scheffler possesses not only exceptional talent but also a balanced perspective that could lead to a similarly enduring legacy.