WASHINGTON -- Westmoreland County native Arnold Palmer went back to the White House on Wednesday to meet another president and collect another honor.
Palmer was selected to receive a
Congressional Gold Medal, which has been around since the American Revolution and recognizes distinguished achievements and contributions.
President Barack Obama signed the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act in the Oval Office, joined by Palmer, his wife, Kathleen, and a small group of politicians that included U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
Beyond his seven major championships, Palmer used his charisma and hard-charging style to make an elite sport popular with the masses. In golf circles, golfing great from Latrobe is known as "The King."
Palmer received the National Sports Award from President Bill Clinton in 1993 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2004.
The medal caps a big month for Palmer, who turned 80 on Sept. 10 and had a birthday party that stretched out over two weeks. Among the festivities was
throwing out the first pitch at a Pittsburgh Pirates game.
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