WASHINGTON D.C. (WTVB) – Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has received the highest civilian honor possible from Congress. Leaders from the U.S. House and Senate presented the 75-year-old with a Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday in honor of his career and community service. Nicklaus says it’s quite an honor. Among those on hand were longtime golf announcer Jim Nantz from CBS Sports, World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer and the Ohio State marching band were also on hand.
The 75-year-old Nicklaus won a record 18 major championships on the PGA Tour and is widely considered the greatest golfer of all-time. He’s just the seventh athlete to be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, joining Palmer, Byron Nelson, Roberto Clemente, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson.
Nicklaus received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from George W. Bush.
