WASHINGTON (AFP) —  Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion who redefined golf and inspired a generation of talent, was awarded the US Golf Association's highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, on Saturday.

The 48-year-old American returned to the PGA Tour last month after ankle surgery last April following the Masters to ease pain following a 2021 car crash, the latest example of perseverance that has helped make him among golf's greatest legends.

"This award goes beyond playing performance, recognizing the lasting impact of one person's journey that has forever changed the image and growth of golf," said USGA chief executive Mike Whan.

"There are very few who stand alongside Tiger Woods in terms of on-course accomplishments and he's in a class of his own when it comes to the impact he has made on the game and future generations who will play it."

The announcement came as the USGA also revealed the 2036 US Open and US Women's Open tournaments will both be played at Shinnecock Hills, the Long Island venue to stage the events on consecutive weeks.