WASHINGTON D.C. -- President Trump awarded Tiger Woods with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.The award comes weeks after Woods won his fifth Masters Golf title in Augusta. After the win, Pres. Trump tweeted he wants to honor Woods because of his "incredible success and comeback in sports, and more importantly, life."Woods is the fourth pro golfer to receive the medal. </s> The Latest: Trump awards Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Tiger Woods receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom (all times local):

President Donald Trump has awarded golfer Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Trump described Woods on Monday as a "true legend, an extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominance."

Trump described the litany of victories that Woods has obtained during his remarkable career and the injuries that almost derailed it.

Woods, 43, won his fifth Masters title last month, overcoming personal and professional adversity to once more claim the green jacket.

Woods became emotional as he spoke of his parents and thanked those who have supported him over the years, saying, "You've seen the good and bad, the highs and lows, and I would not be in this position without all of your help."

President Donald Trump's decision to award the nation's highest civilian honor to professional golfer Tiger Woods has raised questions about whether the president should be boosting the profile of a business associate of the Trump Organization.

Trump planned to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Woods during a White House ceremony Monday evening. The president announced his intention to do so after Woods won the Masters Tournament last month, capping a remarkable recovery from injury and years of personal troubles.

Trump tweeted that he was awarding Woods the medal because of his "incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE."

Trump has been using Woods' cachet to attract fans to his properties for decades. Trump has also struck business deals with Woods. </s> WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Donald Trump bestowed Tiger Woods with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Monday evening in the White House Rose Garden.

The duo shares a love of the game of golf, but both have also risen to unpredictable and spectacular comebacks: Trump from bankruptcy to the presidency; Woods from public shaming following multiple affairs, injuries and a resulting painkiller addiction, to winning this year's Masters.

The Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," according to the executive order designating the award. Since taking office, Trump has presented the award to numerous athletes, including Alan Page, Roger Staubach, and a posthumous award to Babe Ruth.

Trump, who has a long history with Woods, said in a tweet after the Masters that he had congratulated the golfer on the win and his comeback, announcing that he would be giving him the award.

"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!" the tweet said.

Woods' career slumped following his divorce and surrounding scandal in late 2009 and early 2010. He lost about $20 million from estimated endorsements after sponsors including Gatorade, AT&T, and Accenture cut ties. After a string of losses in 2011, Woods failed to make the World Golf Ranking's top 50 players list. But one fan who stuck with him: Donald Trump, who supported the embattled golfer in March 2013 via Twitter.

"I remained strong for @TigerWoods during his difficult period. He rewarded me (and himself) by winning at Trump National Doral," Trump wrote.

Days later, Woods regained his No. 1 ranking.

While it's entirely up to the President's discretion as to who receives the Medal of Freedom, the choice of Woods, who at 43 is still relatively young compared to other recipients, has raised eyebrows for Trump's business ties to the pro golfer.

Trump, an avid golfer, owns courses across the world and frequently hits the links, playing most recently this Saturday at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. His Trump National Doral in Miami has a villa named for Woods. According to The New York Times, Woods celebrated his first Masters win in 1997 at Trump's Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

And, per the Times, Woods is designing a course in Dubai that would be managed by the Trump Organization. Though it was expected to be completed by the end of 2017, it has yet to open, and a spokesman for Woods declined to comment to the Times.

The President has played multiple rounds with Woods, including alongside Jack Nicklaus in February at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.

Trump has been known to cheat on the golf course, including, reportedly, during previous games with Woods. But Rush Limbaugh, who recently played with the President, says it's all in good fun.

"He picks whoever's playing the best and puts himself on their team, and it may -- he may change teams two or three times in a round. It's just fun," he told Fox News, adding, "It's a faux competition but it's just fun. If somebody hits a bad shot, he just tells them, 'Drop another ball, we're out here having fun.' There's no stress in it."

For his part, Woods defended his friendly relationship with the President, saying he respects the office.

"Well, he's the President of the United States," Woods said, according to Yahoo Sports. "You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office." </s> It wasn't one of the four trophies Tiger Woods covets most, but as far as awards go, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is as good as it gets.

Woods became just the fourth golfer ever awarded the medal on the heels of his fifth Masters victory and 15th overall major championship. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charlie Sifford are the other three. Woods also became just the 33rd athlete to receive the medal and joins Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth and Roger Staubach as athletes to receive it recently.

This medal, which Woods received from President Donald Trump, "Recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Trump and Woods appeared in the Rose Garden at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, and Trump rolled through Woods' laundry list of career accomplishments, highlighting the 1997 Masters, 2008 U.S. Open and 2019 Masters.

"Today, it's my privilege to award our nation's highest civilian honor to one of the greatest athletes in the history of sports, Tiger Woods," said Trump. "Tiger, congratulations on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

"This evening, we are in the presence of a true legend," he added later. "An extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominances. He's also a great person. He's a great guy."

Woods' story is certainly astonishing. He went from a washed-up icon who couldn't get out of bed to winning the most important golf tournament in the world and taking home one of the handful of Presidential Medals of Freedom ever handed out. Trump called him a "global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive."

.@TigerWoods becomes the fourth golfer in history to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/NoQCXKphCX — Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 6, 2019

Woods was genuinely emotional as he thanked his mom and his kids. He also contextualized what I think we've all been feeling about that historic Masters win over Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele.

"I just want to say this has been an unbelievable experience," said Woods. "... The amazing Masters experience I had a few weeks ago, certainly the highlight of what I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course. This is an honor."

He went on to note that he named his own son Charlie after the previous golfer to win this award, Charlie Sifford, the first African American to play on the PGA Tour.

There is not necessarily a rhyme or reason to who receives this medal, but Trump and Woods have been at least friendly for a long time as well as business partners, as the New York Times pointed out.

Established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, the award is a unilateral exercise of presidential power. There are no guidelines for how or why someone should be selected. The medal, which is considered the nation's highest civilian honor, is typically given near the end of the recipient's career to honor a lifetime of achievement. But Mr. Trump waited only a few weeks after the Masters to celebrate Mr. Woods.

It clearly meant a lot to Woods to receive the honor as Trump basked in the presence of athletic greatness. A strange (even improbable) scene? Maybe. But certainly a memorable one for Woods, his family and friends on Monday.

Tiger's boat is currently docked in New York as he awaits his first chance at major championship No. 16 next week at the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. Woods won a U.S. Open there in 2002 and nearly won another in 2009 when Lucas Glover clipped him by four strokes. Woods will be paired with Francesco Molinari and Brooks Koepka for the first two rounds next Thursday and Friday. </s> May 6 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump presented Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, less than a month after the golf star won his first major championship in more than a decade.

Woods visited the White House with his children, mother and wife to receive the honor.

Trump described the 43-year-old as "one of the greatest athletes in the history of sports."

"He fought all the way back to the summit of golf," the president said. "Tiger, we are inspired by everything you've become."

Three other professional golfers have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charles Gifford.

Woods referenced the lull he had in his career during Monday's ceremony. Before his April 14 Masters win, his last major championship success was the U.S. Open in 2008.

"I've tried to hang in there, and I've tried to come back and Play the great game of golf again. I've been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to do it again," Woods said.

"I've found a game that's allowed me to do it. The amazing Masters experience I just had a few weeks ago is probably the highlight of what I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course." </s> US President Donald Trump will award the 2018 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Elvis Presley, George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr. and five other individuals, the White House said in a statement on Saturday.

The medal is the highest civilian honour in the United States and is given annually to people who have made outstanding contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.

Trump will also award the medal to Miriam Adelson, a physician who together with her husband Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire casino magnate, is a major donor to the Republican party, Jewish causes worldwide, and medical research.

Also receiving the award next week will be Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and the first African-American to serve on that court Alan Page, the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and former professional football player Roger Staubach. </s> Golf legend Tiger Woods, fresh off his epic comeback victory in the Masters, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

Presenting the golfing great with the nation's highest honor, Trump praised Woods' "relentless will to win, win, win."

"These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits and always striving for greatness," the president said.

Trump congratulated Woods on "your amazing comeback and your amazing life and for giving sports fans a lifetime of memories.

"We can't wait to see what's next, Tiger," he said.

The 43-year-old Woods choked up as he thanked his mother, his two children, his girlfriend and his caddy during the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.

"You have seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows," said Woods, who battled back from injury to win the Masters last month, his first major title since the 2008 US Open.

"My dad is no longer here, but my mom is here," Woods said. "I love you, Mom."

"I have tried to hang in there and I have tried to come back and play the great game of golf again," Woods said. "I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to do it again."

He said his Masters victory was "probably the highlight of what I have accomplished so far in my life on the golf course.

"To have had that type of experience and to be able to come out on top and win," he said.

Established by John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is bestowed upon those who have made an "especially meritorious" contribution to US security or national interests, world peace, cultural pursuits or other non-specified endeavors.

It has been awarded to nearly three dozen sports figures including golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, honored by president George W. Bush.

President Barack Obama gave the medal in 2014 to Charlie Sifford, the first African American golfer to play on the PGA Tour. </s> WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced his first recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and they include the wife of a major Republican Party donor, the longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history, Elvis Presley and Babe Ruth.

Trump will also posthumously recognize the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Medals are going to Miriam Adelson, a doctor and wife of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a Republican donor; Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, who is retiring after more than 41 years in the U.S. Senate; former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and Alan Page, who began a legal career after leaving the NFL.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest honor for a civilian. </s> Tiger Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump Monday in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden.

On a beautiful sunny spring evening, an emotional and choked-up Woods reached another peak in a comeback for the ages. He is the first active athlete ever to earn the medal.

Woods took the podium to a standing ovation by the crowd after Trump delivered about 15 minutes of introductory remarks lauding Woods’ professional and philanthropic accomplishments.

“This has been an unbelievable experience,” Woods said.

Woods’ victory in Augusta last month capped off “one of the most incredible comebacks that golf, or any sport, has ever seen,” Trump said. “Tiger, we are inspired by everything you’ve become and attained.”

Among those in attendance were Vice President Mike Pence; Tiger’s mother, Kultida Woods; his son, Charlie; his daughter, Sam; his girlfriend, Erica Herman; and his caddie, Joe LaCava. Trump also paid tribute to Woods’ late father, Earl. Trump pointed out LaCava by name for a quick round of applause.

He called Woods “one of the greatest athletes in all of sports … a true legend.” Trump credited Woods with introducing golf to many people around the world.

The president offered a detailed rundown of Woods’ golf biography and timeline, and detailed his medical comeback from his various setbacks. During his introductory speech, Trump offered several detailed examples of Woods’ success on the course.

“We can’t wait to see what’s next Tiger,” Trump said. “There are no winners like you.”

Both Trump and Woods laughed when the president recalled how Woods fell to No. 1191 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Woods is holding steady this week at No. 6.

Woods is the 33rd sports figure and fourth golfer to receive the medal. Arnold Palmer (2004), Jack Nicklaus (2005) and Charlie Sifford (2014) were honored previously.

Woods again Monday called Sifford “the grandfather I never had.” Woods said he named his son in Sifford’s honor.

Sifford, who died in 2015 at the age of 92, began playing golf in an age when much of the nation was still legally segregated. Sifford was the first African-American player to earn a PGA Tour card. After the age of 45, he won Greater Hartford Open Invitational and the Los Angeles Open.

Woods has won 81 PGA Tour events and 15 major championships. Trump announced he would present Woods with the award, the nation’s highest civilian honor the president can bestow, the day after Woods won his fifth Masters last month.

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

Woods and Trump have been frequent golfing partners and have a relationship that pre-dates by nearly 20 years Trump’s run for the presidency.

After Woods won the 1997 Masters at the age of 21, he celebrated his victory in Atlantic City at Trump’s Taj Mahal casino and was photographed with the future president. Trump named a villa in Woods’ honor at Trump National Doral Miami. Woods in 2014 agreed to design a golf course in Dubai for a project that was to be managed by the Trump Organization.

Trump remained loyal to Woods during his multiple personal and professional comebacks.

Woods, meanwhile, has faced criticism for his relationship with Trump. And even more heat for remaining non-partisan when asked about it.

After Woods finished the Northern Trust with a 70 on Aug. 26 last year, he was asked the following question in his post-round press availability.

Woods answered with the following:

Politics aside, the medal ceremony marks another milestone for Woods during what is his most impressive comeback of all.

Woods was arrested in May of 2017 on DUI charges and later completed a pre-trial diversion program and his probation term one month early. The timeline between his fourth Masters victory in 2005 and fifth in 2019 also included four surgeries on his back and four more on his knees, a humiliating public breakup with his ex-wife after a calmatious incident the day after Thanksgiving in 2009, a five-year victory drought on the PGA Tour, reinventing his approach to golf and rebuilding his ability to play.

Before he entered the 2017 Hero World Challenge, Woods had fallen to that 1191 number in the Official World Golf Ranking due to his extended absence from competition.

Woods spent the late winter, spring and summer of 2018 finding his lost swing, extending his endurance on the course and resurrecting his game. His steady-but-unfulfilling run included six top-10 finishes and built to a crescendo at the Tour Championship at East Lake in late September. Woods rolled to a two-shot victory in the PGA Tour’s final event of the 2017-18 calendar on Sept. 23 and savored in the adoration of thousands of spectators as they overflowed onto the fairway and flooded the 18th green.

Woods played in 18 PGA Tour events in 2018, in addition to the Ryder Cup, the Hero World Challenge and his pay-per-view match with Phil Mickelson. He admittedly struggled at the Ryder Cup and would surprisingly lose to Mickelson in their one-on-one event the day after Thanksgiving on the 22nd hole.

Woods said in December he would pare back his schedule in 2019. The Masters was only the sixth event Woods has played on Tour this year. The one-shot victory at Augusta National was the first major victory for Woods since the 2008 U.S. Open and his first green jacket since the one he won in 2005.

He will play again next week in the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. There are never any guarantees when it comes to Woods and his competition schedule. But it is entirely reasonable to see him playing a schedule limited to the PGA Championship, the Memorial, the U.S. Open, the British Open, the WGC event in Memphis and the FedEx Cup playoffs for the rest of the season. Perhaps with one additional event between the U.S. and British Opens to be determined.
U.S. President Donald Trump awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, to Tiger Woods for his accomplishments in professional golf and charitable work.