The 1971 PGA Tour was the 56th season of the PGA Tour, the main professional golf tour in the United States. It was also the third season since the tour separated from the PGA of America. The season ran from January 7, 1971, to December 12, 1971, and consisted of 44 official money events with total purses surpassing $5 million.
Season Overview
Lee Trevino dominated the season, winning the most tournaments (six), including two major championships: the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, which he won in a span of three weeks. Trevino also captured the PGA Player of the Year award and the Vardon Trophy for the season's lowest scoring average. Jack Nicklaus topped the money list with earnings of $244,491, and won three official events including the PGA Championship. There were 10 first-time winners during the season.
Dave Hill Antitrust Lawsuit
At the Colonial National Invitation, Dave Hill shot rounds of 77-85 to miss the cut. On his final hole, Hill threw a ball out of a sand trap. He was disqualified for signing a scorecard with an incorrect score. When Hill attempted to play in his next tournament, the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, he was informed he was being fined $500 for conduct unbecoming a professional golfer and was required to pay the fine before teeing off. He paid the fine but less than a week later filed a one-million dollar antitrust suit against the PGA Tour. In response, the tour placed Hill on probation for one year.
Schedule Highlights
The season featured 44 official events played across the United States, Canada, England, and the Bahamas. Major championships included:
- Masters Tournament (April 11): Won by Charles Coody
- PGA Championship (February 28): Won by Jack Nicklaus at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- U.S. Open (June 21): Won by Lee Trevino
- The Open Championship (July 10): Won by Lee Trevino in England
Notable unofficial events included the Ryder Cup (won by Team USA in September at Old Warson Country Club in Missouri) and the World Cup (won by the team of Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino, with Nicklaus also taking the individual trophy).
Money List (Top 10)
| Position | Player | Prize Money ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Nicklaus | 244,491 |
| 2 | Lee Trevino | 231,202 |
| 3 | Arnold Palmer | 209,604 |
| 4 | George Archer | 147,769 |
| 5 | Gary Player | 120,917 |
| 6 | Miller Barber | 117,359 |
| 7 | Jerry Heard | 112,389 |
| 8 | Frank Beard | 112,338 |
| 9 | Dave Eichelberger | 108,312 |
| 10 | Billy Casper | 107,276 |
Awards
- PGA Player of the Year: Lee Trevino
- Scoring Leader (Vardon Trophy): Lee Trevino
Multiple Winners
Lee Trevino led all players with six official wins. Jack Nicklaus won three official events (PGA Championship, Tournament of Champions, Byron Nelson Golf Classic, and Walt Disney World Open Invitational). Arnold Palmer won three events (Bob Hope Desert Classic, Florida Citrus Invitational, and Westchester Classic). Other multiple winners included Tom Shaw (2), J. C. Snead (2), Gary Player (2), Gene Littler (2), Tom Weiskopf (2), and George Archer (2).
