Golden Bear's golden moment

The US Congress on Tuesday awarded its highest civilian honor to golfing great Jack Nicklaus, who accepted the medal with a few tears, humility and humor.

In a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, the House and Senate leadership bestowed the award on Nicklaus, winner of 18 major championships, including six Masters titles, five PGA championships and four US Opens.

"Few transcend their sport to achieve that kind of moment, or this kind of honor," said House Speaker John Boehner, an avid golfer who grew emotional at times during the ceremony. "With Arnie (Palmer), it was how he brought an audience to the game - an army. With Jack, it's how he gave the game a gold standard - a ladder to climb."