Today's Golf News
US's highest award for Nicklaus
07-11-2005
Jack Nicklaus, generally rated as the greatest golfer in history, is in line to be awarded the coveted Presidential Medal of Freedom, the USA's highest civilian award.
The announcement that he and 11 others, including boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Baseball icon Frank Robinson, singer Aretha Franklin, TV stars Carol Burnett and Andy Griffith and US Federal Reserve bank chairman Alan Greenspan are to honoured was announced late last week.
Nicklaus, who apart from his legendary feats on the golf course, is also widely regarded as one of the world's foremost golf course designers and greatly respected for the work that he and his wife Barbara have contributed to children's charities, said, "This is truly a significant and humbling honor.
"To be included in the company of those who have been honored in the past and will be honored this year is something very special and greatly appreciated."
The latest recognition by the President of the United States puts the cherry on top in a memorable year when he played in his final Open Championship at St Andrews, had his portrait put on a British stamp and led the US team to victory in The Presidents Cup.
The Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and Nicklaus Children's Hospital are the charities he and his wife are best known for, but they have also contributed to a variety of junior golf programmes including The First Tee.
Two days after his Presidents Cup triumph, the 'Golden Bear' was given the Humanitarian Award from the Buoniconti Fund and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and in virtually all the most recent polls, including the one conducted by Golf365 earlier this year, he has been the overwhelming choice as the greatest golfer in history.
He will join 13 other recipients this Wednesday to receive an award the White House considers the civilian version of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
It was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in World War II and in 1963, under President John F. Kennedy, was reintroduced as the medal of honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime.
It's recipients have always been the sole choice of the US President in office at the time.
The other recipients:
Muhammad Ali: He was the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, successfully defended the title 19 times and was a gold medalist for the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games.
Carol Burnett: One of America's most accomplished comediennes and actresses. She debuted on Broadway in 1959 and starred for more than a decade on The Carol Burnett Show.
Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn: They designed the software code that is used to transmit data over the Internet. Dr. Cerf and Dr. Kahn have been at the forefront of a digital revolution that has transformed global commerce, communication and entertainment.
Robert Conquest: A historian known for his groundbreaking work on Soviet history, politics and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his landmark book, 'The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties', remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Aretha Franklin: Pioneering singer who has brought joy to millions with her music. She has nearly two dozen number-one singles and has won numerous awards. Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Alan Greenspan: He has chaired the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve for the last 18 years. Greenspan has been an extraordinary leader who has made great contributions to America's economic growth and prosperity.
Andy Griffith: An American icon of the stage, cinema, and television. He first achieved national acclaim in the 1950s for his stand-up comedy routines, and he went on to star in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, as well as numerous Broadway productions and films.
Paul Harvey: One of America's most respected radio personalities who has set a standard of excellence for broadcasters. Since his radio broadcasts first aired nationally in 1951, Harvey has won the trust of millions of radio listeners.
Sonny Montgomery: A champion for veterans during his 30 years as a Member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi. His signature achievement was the Montgomery GI Bill, which has helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
General Richard B. Myers: He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was at the forefront of preparing America's armed forces for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Frank Robinson: One of the greatest baseball players ever. Among his awards are National League Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player in both the American and National Leagues, and the American League Triple Crown in 1966. He also has been a top manager and earned Manager of the Year in the American League in 1989. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming Major League Baseball's first African-American manager in 1975.
Paul Rusesabagina: He demonstrated courage and compassion by sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. By risking his own life, he helped to save the lives of more than 1,000 fellow Rwandans. Rusesabagina's selfless acts have inspired millions, and he represents the best of the human spirit.
US's highest award for Nicklaus
07-11-2005
The announcement that he and 11 others, including boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Baseball icon Frank Robinson, singer Aretha Franklin, TV stars Carol Burnett and Andy Griffith and US Federal Reserve bank chairman Alan Greenspan are to honoured was announced late last week.
Nicklaus, who apart from his legendary feats on the golf course, is also widely regarded as one of the world's foremost golf course designers and greatly respected for the work that he and his wife Barbara have contributed to children's charities, said, "This is truly a significant and humbling honor.
"To be included in the company of those who have been honored in the past and will be honored this year is something very special and greatly appreciated."
The latest recognition by the President of the United States puts the cherry on top in a memorable year when he played in his final Open Championship at St Andrews, had his portrait put on a British stamp and led the US team to victory in The Presidents Cup.
The Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and Nicklaus Children's Hospital are the charities he and his wife are best known for, but they have also contributed to a variety of junior golf programmes including The First Tee.
Two days after his Presidents Cup triumph, the 'Golden Bear' was given the Humanitarian Award from the Buoniconti Fund and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and in virtually all the most recent polls, including the one conducted by Golf365 earlier this year, he has been the overwhelming choice as the greatest golfer in history.
He will join 13 other recipients this Wednesday to receive an award the White House considers the civilian version of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
It was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in World War II and in 1963, under President John F. Kennedy, was reintroduced as the medal of honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime.
It's recipients have always been the sole choice of the US President in office at the time.
The other recipients:
Muhammad Ali: He was the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, successfully defended the title 19 times and was a gold medalist for the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games.
Carol Burnett: One of America's most accomplished comediennes and actresses. She debuted on Broadway in 1959 and starred for more than a decade on The Carol Burnett Show.
Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn: They designed the software code that is used to transmit data over the Internet. Dr. Cerf and Dr. Kahn have been at the forefront of a digital revolution that has transformed global commerce, communication and entertainment.
Robert Conquest: A historian known for his groundbreaking work on Soviet history, politics and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his landmark book, 'The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties', remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Aretha Franklin: Pioneering singer who has brought joy to millions with her music. She has nearly two dozen number-one singles and has won numerous awards. Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Alan Greenspan: He has chaired the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve for the last 18 years. Greenspan has been an extraordinary leader who has made great contributions to America's economic growth and prosperity.
Andy Griffith: An American icon of the stage, cinema, and television. He first achieved national acclaim in the 1950s for his stand-up comedy routines, and he went on to star in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, as well as numerous Broadway productions and films.
Paul Harvey: One of America's most respected radio personalities who has set a standard of excellence for broadcasters. Since his radio broadcasts first aired nationally in 1951, Harvey has won the trust of millions of radio listeners.
Sonny Montgomery: A champion for veterans during his 30 years as a Member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi. His signature achievement was the Montgomery GI Bill, which has helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
General Richard B. Myers: He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was at the forefront of preparing America's armed forces for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Frank Robinson: One of the greatest baseball players ever. Among his awards are National League Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player in both the American and National Leagues, and the American League Triple Crown in 1966. He also has been a top manager and earned Manager of the Year in the American League in 1989. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming Major League Baseball's first African-American manager in 1975.
Paul Rusesabagina: He demonstrated courage and compassion by sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. By risking his own life, he helped to save the lives of more than 1,000 fellow Rwandans. Rusesabagina's selfless acts have inspired millions, and he represents the best of the human spirit.
