In a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on Monday, President Donald Trump awarded champion golfer Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling Woods “a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive.”
The president called Woods “a true legend [and] an extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominance.”
“He’s also a great person. He’s a great guy,” Trump added.
The president, in detail during remarks that last some 15 minutes, shared the major highlights of Woods’ career during the ceremony as Woods stood beside him.
At one point, Trump also recognized Woods’ mother, as well as his girlfriend, his children and his caddie, all of whom were present at the White House.
He also paid tribute to Woods’ late father, Earl.
Woods is the fourth golfer to receive the Medal of Freedom.
.@TigerWoods becomes the fourth golfer in history to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/NoQCXKphCX
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 6, 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
Tiger Woods is being presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom!@GolfCentral is on the air bringing you live coverage ? Stream it here: https://t.co/XxXHbQyLbN pic.twitter.com/uz6pPtYg8U
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 6, 2019
Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus received the honor from then-President George W. Bush — in 2004 and 2005, respectively.
Former President Barack Obama gave the award to Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to join the PGA Tour, back in 2014.
Trump announced that Woods would receive the award last month after the golfer, who is 43, won the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
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
It was Woods’ first victory at Augusta National since 2005 and his first major title since 2008.
Earlier in the day at the White House, Trump presented the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Black Knights Army football team from West Point — to note its wins over Air Force and Navy this past season.
He tweeted about it, as shown below:
Today, it was my true honor to present the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy—for the second year in a row, to the @ArmyWP_Football Black Knights. Congratulations once again on your historic victories, and keep on making us proud! pic.twitter.com/nGOC4PQn6S
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2019
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