Woods to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom next Monday

[May 03, 2019]    (Reuters) - Tiger Woods will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Donald Trump next Monday, the White House said on Thursday.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. wears the green jacket as he celebrates after winning the 2019 Masters. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Woods, 43, ended an 11-year major championship drought when he won the Masters on April 14, and Trump tweeted the following day that he would present the golfer with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, "because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE".

Woods's career was almost ended by a serious back injury, before a spinal fusion two years ago proved successful and allowed him to make a comeback.

His Masters win was the 15th major title for Woods who is second only to fellow American Jack Nicklaus (18) on the all-time list of major champions.

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina, editing by Ed Osmond)

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