President Trump announces Tiger Woods will receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Donald Trump has tweeted his intention to award Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom following his fifth masters title over the weekend.
It’s one of the highest honours in the USA, previous recipients from the world of sport have included Billie Jean King, Jesse Owens and Michael Jordan.
Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
Woods’ one-shot victory at Augusta on Sunday capped off a remarkable return from injury, with many hailing it one of the greatest comebacks of all time.
Trump appeared to be following the Masters closely on Sunday, tweeting throughout and calling Woods a “truly great champion” following the win.
The Medal of Freedom recognises individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours," according to the executive order designating the award.
Woods’ home in Florida is close to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and since his election in 2016, Woods has been photographed on the course with the President who’s a keen golfer.
He’ll join Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as Masters champions who have also received the Medal of Freedom. They were both honoured by President George W. Bush.
President Barack Obama also presented the Medal of Honor to golfer Charlie Sifford in 2014.
Sifford, who died in 2015 aged 92, was a pioneer for racial equality in the game. He was the first African American to play on the PGA Tour and the first African American to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Woods has said previously that Sifford paved the way for his career in golf.
Trump handed out his first medals last year, making a posthumous award to Elvis and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and baseball legend Babe Ruth. He has also honoured retired NFL players Roger Staubach and Alan Page.
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