Trump to honor Tiger Woods with medal of freedom award

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on golf legend Tiger Woods, the White House announced Thursday.

The invitation-only event will take place Monday in the White House Rose Garden, spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Trump has often spoken prominently in Woods' favor, recently lauding the golf champion after he won his fifth Masters and 15th major in April, announcing then he would honor the world-renowned golfer with the medal.

"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 said shortly after Woods' win.

The Medal of Freedom honors individuals who have "made an especially meritorious contribution to" the U.S.'s security or national interests, world peace, or cultural or other significant endeavors, according to the executive order that created it in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy.

It is tied with the Congressional Gold Medal as the highest award that can be bestowed on a civilian.