The House has voted to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on golfing great Jack Nicklaus.
Nicklaus was cited for his golfing achievements, including a record 18 major championships, and his humanitarian work. Nicklaus heads the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and has raised more than $12 million to support pediatric health services.
The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to prominent military leaders, public servants, athletes and artists. It was last given in 2010 to Japanese-American World War II veterans. Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., sponsored the bill.
Nicklaus, dubbed the “Golden Bear,” played his last competitive tournament in the United States in 2005 on the Champions Tour.
Nicklaus golfing contemporary Arnold Palmer received the award in 2009. The legislation now goes to the Senate for a vote.