Palmer to receive Congressional Gold Medal

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Arnold Palmer says he has been selected to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, which honors a person for his distinguished achievements and contributions.

Palmer, a seven-time major champion whose charisma and hard-charging style made an elite sport popular with the masses, said he would receive the medal from President Barack Obama during a ceremony on Wednesday at the White House.

Palmer is the second golfer to receive the medal. Byron Nelson was honored shortly after his death in 2006. The Congressional Gold Medal has been presented to 141 persons or groups, with George Washington receiving the first one in 1776.