Palmer, who helped popularize the sport to players and fans in the 1960s, will be honored with an award presented for distinguished achievements and contributions, the first recipient being George Washington in 1776.

The only other golfer to receive the medal was Byron Nelson, who was posthumously honored in 2006. Nelson, a 1940s golf star, was a two-time winner of the Masters and PGA Championship and also won the US Open. He won a record 11 titles in a row in 1945.

Palmer captured four Masters titles, two British Opens and a US Open crown. He serves as an honorary starter at the Masters, an honor