Sergio Garcia has joined an elite list of golfing greats after being awarded Honorary Life Membership of the European Tour.
Garcia has been given the honour in recognition of his memorable Masters triumph in April, becoming only the 53rd player to be given the distinction, and the third Spaniard after fellow Augusta champions Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal.
The 37-year-old has been a loyal member of the European Tour since turning professional in 1999 and has collected 31 professional titles worldwide in his career while representing Europe eight times in the Ryder Cup.
Garcia was presented with the accolade by European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley during the Andalucia Valderrama Masters, where he is this week's tournament host on behalf of his charitable foundation.
"This is an incredible honour for me," said Garcia. "To join Seve and Jose María on the list of Honorary Members for the European Tour is very special and adds to what has already been a life-changing year for me, on and off the course.
"I have always loved playing on the European Tour and I have had so many unforgettable moments there, while there is no more special privilege than representing Europe in the Ryder Cup.
"I am humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as Seve, José María and the other great players on this list and it is a very special moment for me."
Pelley added: "It is an absolute privilege to present Sergio Garcia with Honorary Life Membership of the European Tour. The world of golf rejoiced at his Masters triumph in April and this week, where he is the host of the Andalucia Valderrama Masters, is the perfect setting to commemorate that victory."
Garcia was also presented with Honorary Life Membership of Real Club Valderrama by the club's President Nuno De Brito De Cunha.