Sorensutam and Player "The Medal of Freedom Comes Later~"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] The 'Presidential Medal of Freedom' award ceremony for Annika Sorenstam (Sweden, photo) and Gary Player (South Africa) has been postponed.

According to the AP News on the 24th (Korean time), "Due to recent concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, the event scheduled to be held at the White House on this day has been postponed indefinitely." The 'Medal of Freedom' is an award given to civilians who have contributed to U.S. national security and interests, world peace, culture, and public service, regardless of nationality. It was first established during President John F. Kennedy's administration in 1963.

Sorenstam is notably the first female golfer to receive this honor. She turned professional at the age of 22 in 1992, won the 1995 US Women's Open, and in 2002, she swept an impressive 11 victories, earning her the title of 'Golf Empress.' By the time she retired in 2008, she had added 3 more wins, totaling 72 victories on the LPGA Tour. Player accumulated 24 wins in total, including 9 major championships on the PGA Tour. Both players are members of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Last year, the award drew even more spotlight when it was given to the 'Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA). He is the fourth golfer to receive it, following Arnold Palmer in 2004, Jack Nicklaus in 2005, and Charlie Sifford in 2014. In April, at the Masters, he achieved his 15th major win and 81st PGA Tour victory, his first major since the 2008 US Open in 11 years. In November, his victory at the Zozo Championship tied Sam Snead's (USA) record for the most PGA Tour wins at 82, setting a monumental milestone.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.