Tiger Woods has won the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award for his triumphant return to the winner’s podium in last year’s Tour Championship.
After a year’s absence from tournament golf due to a back injury and spinal fusion surgery, Woods won the PGA Tour’s season-ender for his first title in 1,876 days. The 43-year-old also finished second in the PGA Championship and sixth in the British Open, and was picked for the US Ryder Cup team.
This was the American’s third Laureus award, having picked up the World Sportsman of the Year accolade in 2000 and 2001.
“I had an amazing year last year and to be recognised is something very special, because if you’d asked me a couple years ago would I ever be involved in the game like this I’d have given you a difference answer … and here we are. Thank you, it’s such an honour,” said the 14-time Major winner in a recorded message.
The Laureus World Sports Academy – made up of 68 global sporting legends – volunteered their time to vote for the winners in each shortlisted category which recognises sporting achievement in the 2018 calendar year. The Awards were hosted by actor James Marsden and featured entertainment from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jorja Smith.
Woods’ former girlfriend, skiing great Lindsey Vonn, was named as the recipient of the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award. The award is given at the discretion of the academy to recognise an athlete or team who have achieved remarkable success and displayed relentless dedication to their sport. Regarded as the greatest female skier of all time, Vonn recently announced her retirement.
World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, record-breaking gymnast Simone Biles and the France football team were among the other big winners at the 2019 awards gala in Monaco.
For the full list of winners, visit awards.laureus.com
