Tiger Woods to earn Medal of Freedom after Masters win, joins star-studded list of athletes
Golfer Tiger Woods will join a long line of decorated athletes when he receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump during a ceremony at the White House on Monday.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed the timing of Woods' award ceremony on Tuesday, weeks after Woods won at Augusta National Golf Club for the fifth time. Trump tweeted throughout this year’s Masters Tournament and congratulated Woods shortly after his win.
Trump announced his intention to honor Woods with the prestigious award on Twitter last month. The tweet came just one day after Woods won the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, marking his 15th career major championship.
“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!” Trump wrote.
Woods’ win at Augusta marked his first major tournament win in more than a decade. Long considered golf’s most dominant player, the 43-year-old Woods has struggled in recent years amid a series of injuries and personal scandals, including a high-profile divorce and a DUI arrest.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to national interests, world peace and public or private endeavors.
FOX Business breaks down other athletes who have won the award below.
Babe Ruth, MLB legend, 2018
Vin Scully, legendary sports broadcaster, 2016
Michael Jordan, NBA legend, 2016
Yogi Berra, MLB legend, 2015
Pat Summit, legendary women's college basketball coach, 2012
Billie Jean King, tennis star and gender equality activist, 2009
Muhammad Ali, boxer and activist, 2005
Arnold Palmer, golfer, 2004
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