At the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump presented Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Rose Garden Ceremony came just 22 days after the iconic American golfer won his fifth Masters title.
“Tiger, we are inspired by what you’ve become and attained. The job you’ve done is incredible,” Trump said to Woods. “Your spectacular achievements on the golf course, your triumph over physical adversity and your relentless will to win, win, win; these qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits and always striving for greatness.”
Trump, an avid golfer, who has played with Woods multiple times since winning the presidency in 2016, called Woods, “a true legend, 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, off script.
The president recognized Woods’ family in attendance, and called his late father, Earl Woods, “a very special guy, also.”
More history for Tiger Woods. pic.twitter.com/bSXnQ4wLez
— Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) May 6, 2019
“He was tough, Tiger, wasn’t he?” Trump asked Tiger.
“Not as tough as her,” Woods replied, pointing to his mother, Kultida.
Woods is the fourth professional golfer to receive the Medal of Freedom. President George W. Bush honored Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus in 2004 and 2005, respectively, while President Barack Obama gave the Medal of Freedom to Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to join the PGA Tour, in 2014.
.@TigerWoods becomes the fourth golfer in history to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/NoQCXKphCX
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 6, 2019
In his remarks, Woods noted that his 10-year-old son Charlie was named after Sifford, whom he referred to as “a grandpa I never had.”
Wire stories from the Associated Press and FOX News were used in this report.
