By Kenya White
April 1, 2015
Members of the House and Senate presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Jack Nicklaus in a ceremony on Tuesday, March 24. House Speaker John Boehner, an avid golfer and fellow Ohio native, hosted the ceremony honoring Nicklaus in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Nicklaus is being recognized for his service to the Nation in promoting excellence, good sportsmanship, and philanthropy. Nicklaus is a world-famous golf professional, who has over 120 victories in national and international competitions, Professional Golf Association Tours (PGA), and professional major-championship titles.
Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame at age 34, Nicklaus is the only player in golf history who has won each major championship at least three times, and is the only player to complete a career “Grand Slam” on both the regular and senior tours. Nicklaus has been the recipient of countless athletic honors, and even became the first golfer to receive the Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence. He is the five time winner of the PGA Player of the Year Award.
Nicklaus continues his involvement in the sport through various aspects of his golf course design work, golf course ownership, and his involvement in a number of charity organizations. Nicklaus has also been instrumental with his involvement in the campaign to include golf in the Olympic Games beginning in 2016. He also played a vital role in the redevelopment of one of the only golf courses in the U.S. designed solely for the use and rehabilitation of disabled veterans.
Other golfers to receive the Congressional Gold Medal include Arnold Palmer in 2009 and Byron Nelson in 2006.
See more Inside the Mint articles