Woods receives Trump's presidential medal of freedom

Woods won his fifth Masters title at Augusta last month

Fifteen times, big winner Tiger Woods will present America's highest civilian honor by President Donald Trump in Washington next week.

The 43-year-old, who won the Masters in Augusta in April, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House on Monday, May 6.

American Woods has overcome persistent injury problems – including four back operations that culminated in merger operations in April 2017 – winning its first major title for 11 years with a one-off win at Augusta.

Trump had already revealed in a tweet last month that Woods would receive the honor after his performance with the Masters.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, introduced by John F Kennedy in 1963, recognizes "individuals who have made exceptional contributions to America's security or national interests, to world peace, or to cultural or other indisputable public or private efforts ".

Woods is the fourth golfer to receive the award, after Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and the first black player of the PGA Tour, Charlie Sifford.

Billie Jean King and Michael Jordan are among other athletes to win the prize.