According to The Associated Press, President Donald Trump presented the award to the pro golfer, who recently won his fifth Masters Tournament, in the White House Rose Garden on Monday.
"This evening, we are in the presence of a true legend, an extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominance," Trump said as he introduced Woods, 43. "He's also a great person. He's a great guy."
President Trump awards the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to long-time friend Tiger Woods in the White House Rose Garden https://t.co/ASF5fWYubS pic.twitter.com/gQNRHNW5gO
— CNN (@CNN) May 6, 2019
"You've seen the good and bad, the highs and lows, and I would not be in this position without all of your help," Woods told the crowd, which included mother Kutilda, girlfriend Erica Herman and his two children.
Woods also thanked his fans in a tweet.
"It's an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom," he 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."
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. pic.twitter.com/33CJIHwQvz
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) May 7, 2019
According to ESPN, three other golfers – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charlie Sifford – have received the award, which is the nation's highest civilian honor.
Trump, an avid golfer, has played golf with Woods on multiple occasions, according to Sports Illustrated. Earlier this year, the president tweeted about golfing with Woods and Nicklaus at a Trump golf course in Florida, NPR reported.
Everyone is asking how Tiger played yesterday. The answer is Great! He was long, straight & putted fantastically well. He shot a 64. Tiger is back & will be winning Majors again! Not surprisingly, Jack also played really well. His putting is amazing! Jack & Tiger like each other.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2019
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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