US President Donald Trump is a devoted golfer, and now he’s showing that by awarding the best American civilian award to two of the sport’s greatest – Anika Surenstam and Gary Player. The White House announced this on Friday.
“This is the highest civilian award in the United States and certainly the most prestigious award I have ever received. My reaction was a flurry of emotions. Goosebumps for sure. Then gratitude, pride and humility,” Sörenstam wrote in a statement on the LPGA Tour website, and continues:
“I am very grateful to President Trump for this honor and everything that it represents for me, my family, and the LPGA Tour and the Annika Foundation.”
Woods was also awarded the medal
The Swede, who has previously played for Trump in some of his own tracks, will receive his medal on March 23. Along with a player, she then joined the quartet Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Charlie Seaford and Tiger Woods as only golfers to be awarded the Freedom Medal.
“I am proud to be the first LPGA player and the first female athlete to receive this award as an integrated American. It’s an overwhelming feeling,” Surinstam wrote.
Archive: Here for Sörenstam Honorary Prize at Sports Gala (27 January):
72 wins in the Professional Round
Al Suwaidi is considered one of the best golfers of all time. She scored 72 victories on the US Pro Tour, and a total of ten majors. In 1995, she won the Jerring Prize and the Svenska Dagbladet gold medal. In Sweden, she was also awarded the King’s Size 8 Medal in the High Blue Ribbon.
During his long career, the 84-year-old won all four major competitions, from the British Open in 1959 to the United States Masters Championship in 1978.
Downtime: Here Sörenstam scores his first win
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