Fifteen-time major winner Tiger Woods has been presented with America’s highest civilian honour by President Donald Trump in Washington.
The 43-year-old, who won the Masters at Augusta in April, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony.
Woods’ win at Augusta last month was his fifth Masters title and ended an 11-year wait to claim his 15th major.
His first Masters win came at the age of 21, when he celebrated with his father, Earl, who died in 2006.
The prize 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 endeavours”.
Woods is the fourth golfer to receive the accolade, after Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and the PGA Tour’s first black player, Charlie Sifford.
Woods overcame persistent injury problems – including four back operations culminating in fusion surgery in April 2017 – to win his first major title for over a decade with a one-shot victory at Augusta.
Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King and Michael Jordan are among other athletes to win the award.