{"id":19832,"date":"2019-05-07T00:01:56","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T00:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/associatednews.us\/content\/2019\/05\/07\/trump-gives-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods\/"},"modified":"2019-05-07T00:01:56","modified_gmt":"2019-05-07T00:01:56","slug":"trump-gives-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/associatednews.us\/content\/trump-gives-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump Gives Presidential Medal Of Freedom To Tiger Woods"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Brian Naylor<\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n

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\n President Donald Trump awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.<\/p>\n

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Manuel Balce Ceneta\/AP<\/p>\n

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Manuel Balce Ceneta\/AP<\/p>\n

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President Trump Monday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to golfer Tiger Woods in a ceremony at the White House.<\/p>\n

Trump praised Woods’ many accomplishments on the golf course and his ability to come back from debilitating physical adversity that might have permanently sidelined any other athlete.<\/p>\n

“Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive,” Trump said as Woods stood by him. “These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits and always striving for greatness.”<\/p>\n

With his mother and two children in attendance, Woods thanked his family, personal friends and aides in brief and emotional remarks.<\/p>\n

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\n Tiger Woods with the Masters trophy after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2019 in Augusta, Ga.<\/p>\n

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Andrew Redington\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Andrew Redington\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

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“You’ve seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and I would not be in this position without all of your help,” he said.<\/p>\n

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Trump has had a contentious relationship with many black athletes<\/a> but Woods has a long history with the president.<\/p>\n

Trump has long been a fan and recently, a business partner<\/a> of Woods. He announced his decision to give the award to Woods in a tweet<\/a>, after Woods won the Masters tournament last month at age 43, capping a remarkable comeback from personal turmoil and physical injuries.<\/p>\n

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Spoke to @TigerWoods<\/a> to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters<\/a>, & 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!<\/p>\n

\u2014 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n

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In February, Trump tweeted about a round he played with Woods<\/a> and another champion golfer, Jack Nicklaus, at Trump’s course in Jupiter, Florida.<\/p>\n

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Everyone is asking how Tiger played yesterday. The answer is Great! He was long, straight & putted fantastically well. He shot a 64. Tiger is back & will be winning Majors again! Not surprisingly, Jack also played really well. His putting is amazing! Jack & Tiger like each other.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n

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Woods designed a golf course at a Trump property in Dubai.<\/a> Trump also named a villa after Woods<\/a> at his Trump Doral resort near Miami.<\/p>\n