Tiger Woods Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom From Donald Trump

UPDATE (May 7, 2019): Following his impressive win last month, which garnered him his fifth Masters title along with his 15th major, 43-year-old Tiger Woods was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom From President Donald Trump.

The ceremony took place at the White House’s Rose Garden on Monday where Woods was joined by his mother, two children, girlfriend Erica Herman, and longtime caddie, Joe LaCava. “This evening, we are in the presence of a true legend, an extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominance,” Trump said during the presentation. “He’s also a great person. He’s a great guy.”

Woods now becomes the fourth and youngest golfer ever to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On the special occasion the golfer thanked his family, “You’ve seen the good and bad, the highs and lows, and I would not be in this position without all of your help.”

Following the ceremony golfer Jack Nicklaus, who also previously won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, took to social media to congratulate Woods. “Heartfelt congrats to @TigerWoods on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom this evening! His impact on golf and his ability to inspire others to play this great game is on par with his incredible talent!”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who have made “especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” according to the White House. Presidents have complete discretion over whom they honor with the medal.

In more sports-related news, Paris Saint-Germain and retailer Andrew released limited edition skate decks.

.@TigerWoods becomes the fourth golfer in history to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/NoQCXKphCX

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 6, 2019

It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Considering the recipients, history, and what this means to me and my family, it’s also very humbling. Thank you all for your support and I hope this inspires others to never give up on their dreams. pic.twitter.com/33CJIHwQvz

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) May 7, 2019

Heartfelt congrats to @TigerWoods on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom this evening! His impact on golf and his ability to inspire others to play this great game is on par with his incredible talent!

— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) May 6, 2019

Original (April 16, 2019): Following his historic win on Sunday in Augusta, Ga. 43-year-old golfing legend Tiger Woods is now set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.

In a statement shared by the President on Monday on Twitter, Trump stated he spoke to Woods himself to announce the big honor. “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!,” the caption reads.

The Medal of Freedom recognizes 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 endeavors,” according to the executive order designating the award. Previous athletes that have been rewarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom include Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who earned theirs back in 2016.

Woods’ win on Sunday marked his first major win since 2008. On top of that he sealed his fifth Masters title along with his 15th major. Following the win, the likes of Barack Obama and Steph Curry took to social media to congratulate Woods.

In more sport-related news, Duke star Zion Williamson declares for the 2019 NBA Draft.

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

Congratulations to @TigerWoods., a truly Great Champion!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019

Love people who are great under pressure. What a fantastic life comeback for a really great guy! https://t.co/41MtJtYEjq

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019