Jack Nicklaus, known as perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, is awaiting the signature of President Barack Obama so he can receive Congress' highest civilian honor. The 18-time major winner will soon be awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal.
According to the Associated Press, Congress approved legislation to authorize the award for Nicklaus late Monday and all it needs is the president's signature. The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded since the America Revolution and represents the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.
The 74-year-old Nicklaus holds the PGA record for major victories and has 115 wins throughout his professional career. He turned pro in 1961 and retired in 2005, but not after six Masters Tournament wins, six PGA Championship wins, four U.S. Open wins and three British Open wins. He was voted PGA Player of the Year five times and was the Tour's leading money winner for eight seasons.
Nicklaus still contributes to the game of golf and owns Nicklaus Design, which is one of the largest golf course design companies in the world. The company has created hundreds of courses in 36 countries since independent research began in the early 1990s. He and his wife, Barbara, also founded the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation to "provide families access to world-class pediatric healthcare." The foundation collaborates with pediatric hospitals throughout the United States to help achieve its goal.
When Nicklaus receives the Congressional Gold Medal it will be his second such award. He was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 by President George W. Bush. That medal recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Nicklaus has long been one of the most renowned and admired sports figures due to his success on and off the golf course.
