Jack Nicklaus to receive Congressional Gold Medal

Author Photo
nicklaus-jack021315-getty-ftr.jpg

Jack Nicklaus next month will become the third golfer to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

Nicklaus will be honored in a March 24 ceremony, Speaker of the House John Boehner, a fellow Ohioan, announced Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will attend, along with members of Ohio's congressional delegation.

"Jack Nicklaus is a legend, and without a doubt the greatest golfer of all time," Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said in December when the medal authorization was approved. "Yet in addition to the Golden Bear’s career in golf, he is a dedicated philanthropist who has made a difference in communities across America."

The Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow on a civilian. Roberto Clemente was the first athlete to receive it , posthumously. and Jesse Owens, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer also have been honored.

Nicklaus received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

MORE: Sports figures who received Presidential Medal of Freedom

Author(s)
Marc Lancaster Photo

Marc Lancaster is a senior editor at The Sporting News