Sunday the USGA announced the latest recipient of the Bob Jones Award, the organization’s highest honor, and you might have heard of him: Tiger Woods.
Woods received the award “in recognition of his commitment to sportsmanship and respect for golf’s time-honored traditions,” according to a press release from the USGA.
There has rarely been a more deserving champion. With 15 major championship victories and 82 PGA Tour wins on his resume, Woods has accomplished more and changed the game of golf to a greater degree than anyone else in the last few decades, if not ever.
“This award goes beyond playing performance, recognizing the lasting impact of one person’s journey that has forever changed the image and growth of golf,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said in the press release. “There are very few who stand alongside Tiger Woods in terms of on-course accomplishments, and he is in a class of his own when it comes to the impact he has made on the game and future generations who will play it.”
Woods was also quoted in the release, expressing gratitude to be acknowledged alongside the award’s namesake.
“Bob Jones was a pillar of our game because of the integrity with which he played it, and I’m truly humbled to receive the award that bears his name and join the many who have received it before me who continue his legacy,” Woods’ statement read. “It’s especially fitting to receive this honor from the USGA, which has meant so much to my career and the entire game of golf.”
