Tiger Woods Receives Medal of Freedom from President Trump

Legendary golfer Tiger Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom as a tribute to his contribution to the sport.

Tiger Woods received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from the hands of President Donald Trump on May 7, 2019.

In a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, President Trump praised hailing Woods as a "global symbol of American excellence."

"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."

TIGER WOODS HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE

President Trump, who is an avid golfer and an admirer of Woods, was lavish in his praise.

He spoke glowingly of Woods' career which started in 1997 and led to his being considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.

TIGER WOODS INCREDIBLE COMEBACK

President Trump also spoke about Woods incredible comeback after the reversals that saw his personal and his professional life hit rock bottom. After a 5 year hiatus, Woods came back, and won the US Masters against all odds.

"Congratulations again on your amazing comeback and your amazing life and for giving sports fans everywhere a lifetime of memories," Trump said.

THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award the President of the United States can bestow. It recognizes "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Among the recipients are such luminaries as Mother Theresa, Aretha Franklin, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Niklaus, among many.

Trump has played golf with Woods, as well as another Medal of Freedom recipient, golfing icon Jack Nicklaus.

PRESIDENT TRUMP ANNOUNCED MEDAL AFTER MASTERS WIN

President Donald Trump topped Woods incredible win at the US Masters by calling him to congratulate him, and told him he would be receiving the Medal of Freedom.

"Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday's @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!" the President said.

Trump has played golf with Woods, as well as another Medal of Freedom recipient, golfing icon Jack Nicklaus.

TIGER WOODS DAZZLING RETURN

Tiger Woods was golf's boy wonder, and the sport's youngest ever winner of a Masters at the age of 20.

His dazzling success came to a halt after 2010, when he experienced several setbacks in his personal life, and acquired an addiction to prescription painkillers following an injury.

After a 5 year hiatus, Woods made a dramatic comeback by winning the 2018 Tour Championship. In April 2019, Woods won the Masters, his first major championship win in eleven years. The Tiger is back.