The Congressional Gold Medal is highest civilian honor granted by Congress. The award honors those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”
The speakers at the event included congressional leaders Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker John Boehner, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader Harry Reid, as well as Nicklaus’ son. Hundreds of Nicklaus’ friends, family and fans attended the ceremony. According to a report published by the Columbus Dispatch, Donald Trump and golfing legend Arnold Palmer were also in attendance.
Nicklaus and Palmer are the only golfers in history to receive both the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A third professional golfer, Byron Nelson, was the first golfer to receive the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006. Arnold Palmer received the award in 2009.
Nicklaus accepted the Congressional Gold Medal with humility and shed a few tears during his acceptance speech. During his speech, he paid tribute to his wife, Barbara, remembered the hard work of his parents, and praised his family, saying that he hoped that he had made them proud. Nicklaus also spoke of what the game has meant him and how it has helped others by teaching qualities such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. The Ohio State marching band performed for the Ohio-born Nicklaus during the ceremony.
The 75-year-old Nicklaus has been the winner of 120 pro tournaments and 18 major championships during his golfing career. The legendary golfer from Upper Arlington, Ohio still holds the record for most victories in major tournaments. Nicklaus’ emotional win in the 1986 Masters was the last of his 18 major victories.
The speakers also praised Nicklaus’ charitable work. Nicklaus and his wife Barbara have devoted millions of dollars to the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation, which seeks to provide medical care to kids in need. The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation recently pledged $60 million to the Miami Children’s Health System, which then changed its name to Nicklaus Children’s Health Care.