Trump says that he will give Tiger Woods the presidential medal of freedom
One day after Tiger Woods won his fifth Masters title and 15th big tournament in a stirring resurrection of his career, President Trump said Monday he would give him an honor almost as exclusive as a green jacket from Augusta National Golf Club: the presidential medal of freedom.
Mr. Trump said on Twitter that he would award the prize without saying when. "Because of his incredible success & comeback in sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will give him the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!" Proposals, wrote Trump.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor and is awarded to those who make outstanding contributions to national security or national interest, world peace, culture or other public or private endeavors. The medal has been awarded since 1963, and is usually given to a dozen or fewer people per year.
Over the years, numerous sports figures have received it, especially under the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Mr. Trump, all well-known sports fans.
Just last year, Babe Ruth, Roger Staubach and Alan Page were awarded presidential medals of freedom. Woods will not be the first golfer to win the prize; Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus were honored in successive years in the mid-2000s, and Charles Sifford, the first African-American to play the PGA Tour, was honored in 2014. But it is rare for an active athlete to receive the honor.
Mr. Woods has a long-term relationship with Mr. Trump, an avid golfer. They own property in Florida and have matured together a number of times, both before and after Mr. Trump became president.
In February, Mr. Trump tweeted a picture of himself with Woods and Nicklaus at the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla. The next day Mr. Trump on Twitter: "Tiger is back and will win Majors again!"
Over the years, Mr. Trump repeatedly tweeted about watching Mr. Forests play golf.
They are also business partners. Mr. Woods designs the course at the Trump World Golf Club Dubai, which will open in 2019.
Mr. Woods acknowledges having played golf with Mr. Trump and having eaten together, but otherwise not inclined to talk about their relationship. & # 39; Well, he's the president of the United States, & # 39; Mr. Woods said last year. "You must respect the office."
Although several African-American athletes have criticized Mr. Trump or have kept his distance, Mr. Woods, who is of African American and Thai descent, his relationship with him.
When he was asked last August after a tournament when he had thoughts about race relations in America, Mr. Woods challenged him. "No, I just finished 72 holes," he said. "And really hungry."