WASHINGTON – Tiger Woods, the first black golfer to win a major championship, has accepted an invitation to speak here at the Lincoln Memorial as part of pre-inauguration festivities for Barack Obama.

Woods, the world's number one golfer, has not played since winning the US Open title last June following knee surgery.

Woods limped through a playoff to defeat Rocco Mediate at the US Open for his 14th major title, second on the all-time list to the 18 of Jack Nicklaus.

In a statement posted Friday on his website, Woods said he would speak as part of “We Are One”, a concert and celebration that will include such singers as Stevie Wonder, U2, Beyonce and Garth Brooks.

“I am honored that I was invited to this historic event and look forward to participating in Sunday's festivities,” Woods said.

Just as Obama broke a racial barrier by becoming the first black man to be elected US President, Woods broke a racial barrier by becoming the first black major champion by winning the 1997 Masters in a tournament record.

Obama will be inaugurated on Tuesday as the 44th US President here in the American capital.

Sapa-AFP

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