Jack Nicklaus became the seventh athlete and third golfer to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
He joined Roberto Clemente, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer, who attended the ceremony in Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
The 18-time major champion won the 1986 Masters at the age of 46 for what was his final major championship victory.
CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz spoke at the ceremony, and said that win was Nicklaus' greatest accomplishment.
Nicklaus has five children and 22 grandchildren.
His eldest son, Jack Nicklaus II, spoke about a story between father and son sharing a phone call.
He started the recollection by mentioning 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."
His son also spoke about the memory he had of caddying for his father in the 1986 Masters.
“It was his moment in time. A moment so earned, a moment so deserved,” Jackie said.
His father wiped away tears.
The Congressional award was co-sponsored by Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, of Nicklaus’ native Ohio, and signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 16.