Tiger Woods was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US president Donald Trump in a ceremony at the White House yesterday.
Woods joins Arnold Palmer (2004), Jack Nicklaus (2005) and Charlie Sifford (2014) as the only golfers to win the prestigious award, which is the United States’ highest civilian honour. The award 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 endeavours”.
Described Woods as a “true legend” and an “extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf”, President Trump praised the 15-time Major winner for his amazing return from career-threatening injuries.
After spending 2016 out of action totally, Woods underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2017 – his fourth back surgery in three years. He returned to competitive action in December that year and won the 2018 Tour Championship last September for his first victory in five years. Woods won his fifth Masters title last month at Augusta National for his first Major since the 2008 US Open.
