United States President Donald Trump presented Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the White House Rose Garden Monday, calling the champion golfer “a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive.”
Trump, an avid golfer who played with Woods at the president’s golf club in Florida this past February, also referred to Woods as “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.
During the ceremony, the US president recounted highlights of Woods’ career as the 43-year-old stood stoically beside him, clad in a blue suit and red tie matching his traditional Sunday apparel on the course.
At one point, Trump recognised Woods’ mother, girlfriend, children and caddie, all of whom were in attendance and paid tribute to Woods’ late father, Earl.
Woods is the fourth golfer to receive the Medal of Freedom. Then-President George W. Bush presented the honor to Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Then-President Barack Obama gave the Medal of Freedom to Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to join the PGA Tour, in 2014.
Photo credit: PA
