Arnold Palmer yesterday received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by President George W. Bush at a ceremony in the East Room at the White House. Mr Palmer, 74, was honoured for his lifelong contribution to the sport of golf and for his enduring example of sportsmanship.
“For all who love the game of golf, and for those who love to see it played, there has never been a sight in the game quite like Arnold Palmer walking down the fairway toward the 18th green,” said President Bush. “For more than 50 years, over thousands of miles of fairway, Arnold has given his all, playing with style and a daring that changed the game of golf. He drew millions of fans, and every big crowd we see at a golf tournament today started with Arnie’s Army.”
“Throughout his amateur and professional career, Palmer has set the standards for golfers around the world as a player, a champion and a sportsman. Among the 92 golf championships he won as a golfer are eight majors, including four Masters, two Opens, one US Open and one United States Amateur. Sustained excellence was among the hallmarks of his play.
“His contributions off the golf course also have been many, and include the funding and building of the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando.”
Arnold Palmer www.palmerdesign.com
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