The great Arnold Palmer received a belated 83rd birthday present when he was award the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honour given to civilians by the U.S. Congress.

Palmer looked visibly moved when handed the award in the U.S. Congress with his now good friend and former long time arch rival, Jack Nicklaus among those present in the American capital to congratulate him

“I’m particularly proud of anything that the House and Senate agree on,”  said Palmer.

Palmer captured 62 PGA Tour titles in his career, including seven major championships (four  Masters, two British Opens, one U.S. Open).

He also helped revolutionize golf in  the 1960s with his macho looks, powerful swing and go-for-broke style. Palmer  was the perfect figure to lead golf into the television age.

“Arnold Palmer democratized golf, made us think that we too could go out and  play, made us think that we could really do anything, really. All we had to do  was to go out and try,” John Boehner, Speaker of the House.

Palmer was also praised for his contributions off the course, including the  Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando and his service in the U.S. Coast  Guard.

The other athletes to receive the Congressional Gold Medal are Jesse Owens,  Roberto Clemente, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson and Byron Nelson.

The House of Representatives voted in April to award a Gold Medal to Jack  Nicklaus, where the legislation was then moved to the Senate. Two-thirds  approval from Senate would grant Nicklaus the medal.

Eight years ago in 2004, Palmer also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.