Trump: Tiger Woods Earned Medal of Freedom with Masters Triumph
Donald Trump, a noted golf nut, said he will award Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom following his Masters victory on Sunday. | Source: Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP
By CCN.com: US President Donald Trump said that he would award Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition for his stunning victory at the 2019 Masters Tournament on Sunday.
Donald Trump to Give Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods
Trump made the announcement on Twitter, arguing that Woods deserved the award because of his “incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE.”
Woods, as CCN.com reported, shocked the sports world on Sunday when he scored his fifth Masters title and 15th major overall – his first since 2008.
As recently as December 2017, Woods – who dominated the PGA tour during the early 2000s – ranked as low as 1,199th in the world golf rankings following a series of crippling injuries and personal life scandals.
The triumphant Masters victory brought a windfall to sponsors who stuck by Tiger throughout his manifold struggles. According to one estimate, Nike basked in more than $22 million worth of brand exposure during Sunday’s final round, and the sports gear and apparel manufacturer saw its stock price jump on Monday.
Trump had cheered Woods on throughout the final round of his Masters victory, firing off a series of tweets throughout the event. After Woods sunk his final putt, the president praised him as a “truly Great Champion,” adding:
Masters Victory Makes Tiger Latest Athlete to Earn Prestigious Presidential Award
A surprising number of athletes have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which ranks among the highest awards the US government bestows on civilians.
Last year, Dow Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to three athletes: the late Babe Ruth, Roger Staubach, and Alan Page.
Previous presidents have been just as prolific in awarding the prestigious award to top athletes. Former President Barack Obama designated more than a dozen athletes as medal recipients, including NBA greats Michael Jordan and Bill Russell.
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