Lee Trevino's 1974 PGA Championship at Tanglewood Park Winners Trophy Plaque
Momentous and stately while simplistic in design is Lee Trevino's personal hand worked copper and walnut major trophy plaque award presented to him by the PGA of America in recognition of his triumph at the 1974 PGA Championship - by way of longtime family friend Jimmy Ely II. Crafted with the most high-tech embossing process of the era by renowned artist Bruce Fox out of New Albany, Indiana, as identified on the verso of other examples of this award that we have offered in the past such as Walter Hagen's from the PGA of America Collection that brought in upwards of $14k. This trophy plaque was so revered that Ben Hogan's was previously featured prominently right next to his fellow major trophies at the USGA Museum in Far Hills, NJ. This hand worked copper relief work appears centered on the award exhibiting the familiar logo of the PGA of America and the scripted wording "National Champion" with an olive branch uniting the two. The 1974 PGA Championship marked the 4th (and final) time that Lee Trevino finished ahead of runner-up Jack Nicklaus to win the major title, Trevino's first of two PGA Championships. When Trevino received this award from the PGA he seemingly decided to forgo the nameplate addition perhaps knowing that he was going to gift it to Ely shortly thereafter. Trevino, or the 'Super Mex' as he was affectionately called, was golf's ultimate entertainer all while winning 6 major championships on his way to a World Golf Hall of Fame career. His path to PGA stardom was an unlikely one, beginning as a caddie and shoe shiner after leaving school at age 14. Practice and natural ability adverse conditions allowed him to hone his craft, continuing to play while enlisted in the Marines for four years. The saying 'they don't make them like they used to' certainly applies to both Lee Trevino's 1974 PGA Championship trophy plaque here, as well as the man himself. A signed letter of provenance from Jimmy Ely Jr. comes with this lot. 12 3/4" x 6 3/4"
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