President Donald Trump said Monday he will award golfer Tiger Woods with the presidential medal of freedom following his first Masters win since 2005.
‘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!’ Trump tweeted.
Trump also tweeted congratulations to the golfing legend over the weekend.
This is Woods’ fifth green jacket, and his win on Sunday is already being lauded as one of the greatest sports comebacks of all time.
President Trump will be awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods because of his success and comeback in sports and life
Woods earned his fifth green jacket Sunday after it seemed his career was over following several physical obstacles and person issues
The Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States that recognizes ‘an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors’
It was established in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II.
Other sports icons who have received the award include Michael Jordan, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
In the past few years, it seemed as though Woods’ career was over as he faced a series of personal problems and chronic back pain. He had a spinal fusion surgery in 2017.
That same year, he faced charges for driving under the influence.
Woods’ personal life, and career, had already been on the decline before the back surgery and DUI charge when years before his ongoing cheating was brought to light.
Woods won the Gene Serazen Cup in 2013 at the Cadillac Championship golf tournament at Trump National Dural in Florida. Trump is an avid golfer and often spends his free time on the course
Woods’ last Masters win before Sunday was in 2005, 14 years ago
Woods met his now-former wife Elin Nordegren in 2001, and they had two children.
In 2009 the chronic cheating went public when the National Enquirer published a story outlining his relationship with Rachel Uchitel, a New York City nightclub hostess.
Woods also had a relationship with cocktail waitress Jaimee Grubbs.
Other than his two mistresses, Woods also reportedly had unprotected sex with porn starts.
Following the scandals Nike, Gatorade and other sponsors of Woods lost billions of dollars collectively, and some dropped him completely.
At the time, Woods released a statement saying he was ‘taking an indefinite leave from golf to work on saving his marriage,’ and wanted to focus ‘on being a better husband, father, and person.’
Woods had a few good seasons upon returning to golf after news of the affairs simmered, but never had another big win until this weekend.
