President Donald Trump Monday granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom to golfer Tiger Woods in a ceremony at the White House.
Trump praised Woods’ numerous achievements on the golf course and his ability to return from incapacitating physical adversity that may have for all time sidelined some other competitor.
“Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive,” Trump said as Woods stood by him. “These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits and always striving for greatness.”
With his mom and two kids in participation, Woods expressed gratitude toward his family, close companions and helpers to sum things up and passionate comments.
“You’ve seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and I would not be in this position without all of your help,” he said.
Trump has had a contentious relationship with many black athletes yet Woods has a long history with the president.
Trump has for some time been a fan and recently, a colleague of Woods. He reported his choice to give the honor to Woods in a tweet, after Woods won the Masters competition a month ago at age 43, topping a wonderful rebound from individual disturbance and physical wounds.
In February, Trump tweeted about a round he played with Woods and another champion golfer, Jack Nicklaus, at Trump’s course in Jupiter, Florida.
Woods planned a golf course at a Trump property in Dubai. Trump likewise named a manor after Woods at his Trump Doral resort close Miami.
Not every person is an enthusiast of Trump’s choice to grant Woods the Medal of Freedom, or of Wood’s choice to accept it. Writer Rick Reilly, whose book Commander In Cheat depicts Trump as an infamous flouter of golf rules, tweeted Woods ought to spurn the honor, since he says, Trump “thinks golf should only be for the rich.”
Monday’s function is the second time in under a half year that Trump has granted Medals of Freedom. In November, the President gave the honor to various individuals, including Elvis and Babe Ruth.
Woods becomes the fourth professional golfer to receive the medal, alongside Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charlie Sifford. Woods said in the ceremony that Sifford was a coach and that he named his own child, Charlie, after him.
