Tiger Woods earned his fifth Green Jacket on Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club. The 43-year old American’s major victory transcended golf – and even sports, as it told the classic tale of the fallen hero returning to glory through perseverance and hard work.
On Monday, President Trump cemented the importance of the golf great’s comeback, announcing on Twitter that Woods will be awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In a tweet posted by the president:
“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!”
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
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States, and, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, is the highest civilian award of the United States.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by the president “for especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Woods was chosen for his impact on American culture.
Woods will become the fourth golfer to win the Medal of Freedom award, joining Charlie Sifford (2014, Obama), Jack Nicklaus (2005, Bush), and Arnold Palmer (2005, Bush).
