Tiger Woods receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Tiger Woods has become the fourth golfer in history to be awarded the Presdential Medal of Freedom

Following in the footsteps of Arnold Palmer (2004), Jack Nicklaus (2005) and Charlie Sifford (2014), Tiger Woods became the 33rd sports figure and fourth golfer in history to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on Monday. 

With a guest list of 100 in the Rose Garden, President Donald Trump reeled off Tiger’s list of achievements, spoke about his family and provided a glossary of his career – from his junior days to his 15th major title at the Masters last month. 

He lauded Tiger with plaudits, calling him “one of the greatest athletes in all of sports” and dubbing his victory “one of the most incredible comebacks that golf, or any sport, has ever seen.”

Just over 10 minutes later, Trump presented Woods with the medal, which is America’s highest civilian honour.

Then, it was Woods’ turn to speak. 

“I just want to say, this has been an unbelievable experience,” Woods began, before thanking his family and friends.

“This is an honour,” he then continued. “I know that I’m the fourth golfer to have received this award, the late Arnold Palmer, the great Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford, who I always called grandpa because he was like the grandpa I never had. I ended up becoming so close with him I ended up naming my son, Charlie, after him, so to have been chosen as the next golfer after Charlie is truly remarkable, so thank you.”

Later, Woods reflected on his achievement further on social media.

“It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Woods later tweeted. “Considering the recipients, history, and what this means to me and my family, it’s also very humbling. Thank you all for your support and I hope this inspires others to never give up on their dreams.”