It has been a month to remember for former world number one
Tiger Woods. In April the 43-year-old completed one of the greatest sports comeback stories by winning his fifth Green Jacket at The Masters and last night Woods was at the White House in Washington, to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.
Woods was visibly moved whilst accepting the honour and stated, “It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 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.”
The medal is the highest civilian honour given in America and is bestowed on “individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.”
The TaylorMade staffer is the fourth professional golfer to be awarded the medal, following Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford. Woods acknowledged how humbled he was to join the previous recipients, especially Sifford who he said was like a grandfather to him, and who he named his son Charlie after.
This latest honour further seals Woods’ amazing legacy. Coming back from both personal and professional issues, to re-enter the top of the professional golf world.
Speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House Woods stated, “You’ve seen the good and bad, the high and lows and I would not be in this position without all of your help.” Adding, “I’ve battled, I try to hang in there, and I’ve tried to come back and play the great game of golf again.”
“The amazing Masters experience I just had a few weeks ago certainly is part of the highlight of what I’ve accomplished in my life on the golf course,” said Woods.
