Tiger Woods said Kobe Bryant was part of the most historic franchise in the NBA and called him an "ultimate competitor".
No side before had rallied to win on the last day after trailing for three days, further cementing the reputation of Tiger Woods, who went undefeated in his three matches.
International team captain Ernie Els is keen to "kick the asses" of Tiger Woods and his United States teammates at the Presidents Cup.
Tiger Woods finished 19-under par to equal US legend Sam Snead's all-time record of 82 US PGA Tour victories set 54 years ago.
Victory would see Tiger Woods equal US legend Sam Snead's all-time mark of 82 PGA Tour wins.
Golf returned to the Olympics in 2016 after a 112-year absence but Tiger Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury.
Rafael Nadal sailed into the quarterfinals of the US Open with an efficient win over 2014 champion Marin Cilic.
Rory McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under.
Presenting the golfing great with the nation's highest honor, Donald Trump praised Tiger Woods' "relentless will to win, win, win".
Tiger Woods stunned the sporting world last month by completing an epic comeback from spinal fusion surgery to capture the Masters.
Rafael Nadal, a keen golfer himself, expressed nothing but admiration for Tiger Woods, who has fought through at least as many physical challenges as he has himself.
Tiger Woods' sensational win wasn't just a feel-good story for himself and legions of golf fans; it made a lot of bettors pretty happy as well.
Tiger Woods completed his comeback from travails both personal and physical Sunday, winning his fifth Masters title an astonishing 14 years after last.
It's the first time Tiger Woods has won a major without holding the 54-hole lead, and his first major title since the 2008 US Open.
Francesco Molinari seized a two stroke lead over Tiger Woods and Tony Finau in a thrilling Masters third round at Augusta National.
Tiger Woods shook off a short weather delay and survived a close encounter with a security guard to put himself one shot off the lead midway through the Masters.
Tiger Woods seeks his first major triumph since the 2008 US Open.
Rory McIlroy, who has had a sensational start to the year, figures to be tested at Augusta National by resurgent Tiger Woods.
