Trump says Tiger Woods will receive Medal of Freedom

President Trump said Monday that he will award Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on the heels of the pro golf great’s comeback win at last weekend’s Masters Tournament.

“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.

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

{mosads}The president did not say when the 43-year-old golfer would receive the award.

Woods’s victory on Sunday gave him his 15th major championship win and his fifth Masters title, marking a stunning turnaround that captivated the sports world.

It was Woods’s first win at a major in more than a decade and came after his reputation was tarnished by an infidelity scandal and his career was jeopardized by a series of back injuries.

The Medal of Freedom is awarded by the president to citizens who make an “especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Trump has given the medal to seven people, including NFL Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Alan Page and the late New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth.

More than two dozen figures from the sports world have received the award, including golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as well as Charles Sifford, the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour.

Nicklaus is the only golfer who has won more majors than Woods, with 18. Trump played a round with both men in February at his golf club in Jupiter, Fla.

Great morning at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida with @JackNicklaus and @TigerWoods! pic.twitter.com/mdPN4yvS8e

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2019

Updated at 2:10 p.m.