The PGA of America is awarding President Bill Clinton, Founder of the Clinton Foundation and 42nd president of the United States, its 2014 PGA Distinguished Service Award recipient for his lifetime love of golf and his commitment to health and wellness.
Begun in 1988, the PGA Distinguished Service Award honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf.
President Clinton will receive the Association’s highest annual honor in conjunction with the 96th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Previous honorees include Bob Hope, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Patty Berg, Jack Nicklaus, and former presidents Gerald Ford (1991) and George H.W. Bush (1997).
“President Clinton’s life in public service is a study in making a difference in people’s lives. His own journey to achieve wellness has resulted in a passion that involves the game of golf,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “President Clinton shares the mission of the PGA of America to encourage our country’s young people to develop a healthier lifestyle through golf. For his work and the example he sets to motivate young people, we are honored to present this year’s PGA Distinguished Service Award to President Clinton.”
After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation with the mission to improve global health, strengthen economies, promote health and wellness, and protect the environment. In addition to his Foundation work, President Clinton has served as the top United Nations envoy for the Indian Ocean tsunami recovery effort and as the UN Special Envoy to Haiti.
Since 2012, the Clinton Foundation has partnered with Humana, the PGA TOUR and the Desert Classic Charities to present the Humana Challenge. The Humana Challenge has showcased the long-term health benefits of simple lifestyle and behavioral changes.
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