The 38-year-old Spaniard captured the ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ gong at the Laureus World Sport Awards, 18 years after winning the World Newcomer of the Year title.

It was a long but worthwhile wait for Garcia who went on from winning the 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic to claim his breakthrough major at Augusta National before rounding out his season with victory at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.

As the video link in this tweet from Garcia shows, he actually received the silverware, from Ryder Cup pal Ian Poulter, during January’s Desert Classic.

Tremendous honor to win another @LaureusSport award after the one in 2000! Such an special award, thanks to @TheMasters win and the great year I had. #Laureus18 #Breakthroughoftheyear https://t.co/dMPQQxwYQI

— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) February 27, 2018

A nicely kept secret from El Niño who is otherwise engaged in this week’s WGC-Mexico Championship.

Related: WGC-Mexico first round tee-times and viewing guide

“The Masters was a dream come true for me, amazing victory, and to receive another Laureus Award trophy, after receiving one in 2000, is a tremendous honour,” Garcia said.

For the record, tennis superstars Roger Federer (Sportsman and Comeback), Serena Williams (Sportswoman), F1’s Merceses-AMG Petronas (Team) and athlete Edwin Moses (Lifetime Achievement) won the other major aways in Monaco.

Garcia tees it up in the opening round in Mexico at 10.03pm on Thursday with Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Noren.

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