Player, Sorenstam Accept Presidential Medals Of Freedom Day After Capitol Carnage
/As America reeled from the aftermath of Donald Trump inciting a Capitol-storming mob, a stealth Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony was held on White House grounds honoring golf greats Babe Zaharias, Annika Sorenstam and Gary Player. This, on the same day a Capitol police officer became the fifth person to succumb to injuries incurred as a result of the riot.
GolfDigest.com’s John Feinstein called out the “tone-deafness” of holding the ceremony given death and destruction inspired by the President’s comments (which he could face charges over for inciting a riot).
USA Today’s Christine Brennan writes that the reputations of Player and Sorenstam “are sullied, forever.”
They had nothing to do with the insurrection of the Trump mob on Wednesday, of course, but they happily became Trump’s Thursday accessories. They celebrated with him as our nation mourns what he has wrought.
When she retweeted Nicklaus’ endorsement of Trump, I texted her a question:
“How do you reconcile Trump’s awful record on women – bragging and joking about sexually assaulting women ("Access Hollywood" tape), calling the Democratic VP nominee a 'monster,' being accused of sexual assault or sexual harassment by at least 26 women, etc. – while being a woman who has forged an amazing career around the issues of inclusion for women and treating women equally and fairly and with respect?”
She never replied. On Thursday afternoon, I texted again, this time to say I’d like to talk to her about accepting the Medal of Freedom a day after the awful rampage of Trump supporters at the Capitol. She did not reply.
Player’s estranged son Marc also called out the timing of the ceremony:
I reached out to the International Golf Federation, where Sorenstam recently replaced Peter Dawson and hope to receive a statement from Executive Director Antony Scanlon on the medal acceptance. The IGF represents the game to the world via its role with the Olympic Games.
*Updated with IGF statement:
The International Golf Federation is extremely proud that Annika Sorenstam has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with Gary Player and the late Babe Zaharias, each of whom not only excelled at golf but transcended our sport as role models, mentors and philanthropists.
As noted when she was named as the IGF’s new President in December, Annika is universally respected as a generational talent in women’s golf who, since retiring from competition, has dedicated herself to promoting women’s golf at all levels through her foundation. We are extremely proud of Annika and all that she has accomplished.
Sorenstam’s longtime sponsor at Callaway has not replied to a request for a statement.
PXG, which includes Player as part of its Tour staff, offered this statement from CEO Bob Parsons:
“Mr. Player has led an exceptional life on and off the golf course - leveraging his celebrity and his resources to drive positive change and inspire generations. We are absolutely thrilled to see his legacy underscored with an honor as significant as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. While the timing of the event is unfortunate, nothing should detract from the merits of this accomplishment. Congratulations Gary!”
Both players opted not to release images of the ceremony or medal reception on their social media accounts.
The White House has not posted any images or transcripts of speeches from the event.
The only indication Player came to Washington arrived via his grandson’s public Instagram account:
