16 Apr 2019

Trump to award Woods Medal of Freedom

9:24 am on 16 April 2019

US President Donald Trump says he will award Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom after the golfer won the Masters for the fifth time.

Masters champion Tiger Woods is to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump

Masters champion Tiger Woods is to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump Photo: Michael Madrid

"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.

The victory on Sunday was one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, as the 43-year-old ended an 11-year major title drought having overcome personal and professional setbacks including a highly-public divorce and multiple surgeries.

The one-stroke win at Augusta National led to an outpouring of support from sports greats and politicians including Trump.

Trump, an avid golfer, and Woods have played together in the past including in February when the pair joined golf great Jack Nicklaus for a round at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.

Trump appeared to follow the action at this year's Masters closely, tweeting well-wishes to the field on Saturday and encouraging people to tune in when Woods had the lead with just two holes left to play on Sunday.

"Congratulations to TigerWoods, a truly Great Champion!" Trump tweeted shortly after Woods sank a short putt to secure his 15th major title."

- Reuters