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Tiger Woods writes congratulatory letter to Jack Nicklaus for SI's Legacy Award
Jack Nicklaus was honored with Sports Illustrated's Legacy Award on Tuesday. The award commemorates individuals from the world of athletics who personify giving back and leadership.
One of the many to congratulate Nicklaus on this well-deserved prize is Tiger Woods. The 14-time major winner penned a letter on his website paying tribute to the Golden Bear:
"I'd like to congratulate Jack on receiving [Sports Illustrated's] Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. Every honor Jack receives is well-deserved, and this one, that recognizes the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy as tools for changing the world, is pretty special.
"Jack's tournament records are incredible, not just his 18 majors (plus two U.S. amateurs) and 73 PGA TOUR wins, but his 19 second-place finishes in the majors, which I think may be his most incredible stat. The way he would rise to every occasion with the shot it demanded under the circumstances are unparalleled. His skill, mind and determination allowed him to accomplish amazing things. My first real recollection of a major championship was his win at the 1986 Masters.
"Jack and Barbara are wonderful philanthropists supporting children's health. Among the many fantastic things they do is the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which supports pediatric health-care services in Florida and nationally.
"I'm extremely happy for Jack, and I've always admired his accomplishments, but it's a lot more than that. He's an outstanding person, and I'm honored that I can call him a friend."
Nicklaus is just the third recipient of the Legacy Award, joining Magic Johnson and Eunice Kennedy Shriver.