President Donald Trump is to award Tiger Woods the highest civilian honour following his Masters victory last month.
The 15-time major golf champion will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on Monday, following in the footsteps of great athletes such as Billie Jean King and Michael Jordan.
Trump has already posted on Twitter that he planned to reward the 43-year-old golfing great with the honour, having returned from a long injury lay-off and personal problems to win the first major of the year at Augusta National, claiming his first title in 11 years and fifth Green Jacket in the process.
But the President of the United States has confirmed that a ceremony will be held at the White House to present Woods with the honour that recognises “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".
Trump’s press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed on Thursday that Woods has accepted the invitation to attend the White House, having also been praised by the president following his Masters victory.
“Congratulations to @TigerWoods., a truly Great Champion!” he wrote on 14 April after Woods clinched a one-shot victory. “Love people who are great under pressure. What a fantastic life comeback for a really great guy!”
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was introduced in 1963 by John F Kennedy, and Woods will become the fourth golfer to receive the honour, following in the footsteps of record major winner Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charlie Sifford, the PGA Tour’s first black player.
