Jack Nicklaus on Tuesday became the seventh athlete and third golfer to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest civilian honor.
He joined Roberto Clemente, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer as recipients. Palmer was in attendance as Nicklaus was honored during a ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda.
MORE: Jack still loves to play, but it isn't the same | Says Tiger's problem is between his ears
CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz was among those who spoke at the ceremony. He said Nicklaus' 18th and final major title, a win at the 1986 Masters at age 46, was the Golden Bear's greatest accomplishment.
Nicklaus, 75, has five children and 22 grandchildren. His eldest son, Jack Nicklaus II, told a story about a father and a son sharing a phone call. The younger Nicklaus said he talked for nearly 20 minutes recounting every shot he hit during a junior tournament, as his dad listened intently.
“When I was done, there was a short silence and I thought it was about time to hang up. Then he asked, ‘Jackie boy, would you like to know how your dad did? I just won the U.S. Open.'" Nicklaus won the Open four times.
His son also spoke about caddying for his father in the '86 Masters.
“It was his moment in time. A moment so earned, a moment so deserved,” Jackie said. His father wiped away tears.
The award, which requires an act of Congress, was co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who represent Nicklaus' home state. The measure was signed into law by President Barack Obama last Dec. 16.