Chaska, Minnesota.
US President Barack Obama has led the ‘world’ tributes calling the late Arnold Palmer “the American dream come to life.”
Obama praised the late golfer’s rise from a humble start in Pennsylvania to “superstardom” around the world. He says Palmer did it with a grin that hinted he had another “shot up his sleeve.”
President Barack Obama practices with a golf club after the signing ceremony ahead of the presentation to Arnold Palmer of the Congressional Gold Medal.
Obama says in a statement that Palmer’s freewheeling and fearless approach to golf inspired a generation. He says Palmer’s spirit went beyond the golf course and extended into his work to build hospitals and interact personally with fans.
Obama says he and first lady Michelle Obama stand with “Arnie’s Army” in saluting “the King.
In 2003, President George W. Bush awarded Palmer the ‘President Medal of Freedom’ for his contribution to sport in general.
President George W Bush with Arnold Palmer in 2003 in presenting him with the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’.
