After winning his fifth green jacket on Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club, Tiger Woods learned on Monday that he would also be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Trump announced in a Tweet that he had spoken to Woods and would be presenting him with the prestigious 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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
“Spoke to Tiger Woods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s Masters, & 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 tweeted.
The honor is not one to be taken lightly. Woods will become just the fourth golfer to receive the medal, joining Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charlie Sifford.
While Nicklaus and Palmer were given the medal by President George W. Bush during his presidency earlier this century, Sifford, who was a mentor to Woods, was honored five years ago by President Barack Obama. When Sifford was awarded the medal, Woods tweeted his congratulations.
You’re the grandpa I never had. Your past sacrifices allow me to play golf today. I’m so happy for you Charlie.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 11, 2014
Woods will be the fourth athlete to receive the award during President Trump’s time in office, joining Babe Ruth, Roger Staubach and Alan Page.
