Italian golfer Andrea Pavan suffered a horrific accident just before the DP World Tour’s South African Open and has been left in hospital
Golf ace Andrea Pavan has a long and hard road to recovery ahead of him(Image: Getty)
DP World Tour star Andrea Pavan has had surgery on his shoulder and back following a shocking fall down a lift shaft. The Italian was getting ready for the South African Open when he suffered the terrible accident on Wednesday.
Pavan was staying at his own private accommodation near Stellenbosch Golf Club when the lift doors opened without the car being present. Unaware the car wasn’t there, he stepped forward and plummeted three storeys, sustaining serious shoulder injuries and multiple fractures to several vertebrae.
Initially, the European tour only confirmed he had withdrawn from the tournament, citing “medical confidentiality”. But details of what occurred came to light after his former golf team-mate Matt van Zandt established a fundraiser to assist Pavan’s wife Audra and their three children with the substantial medical expenses.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Pavan issued a statement to the golfing world and his supporters. He wrote: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours.
“I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital. I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me.
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“The care I have received so far from the mediclinic hospital staff has been incredible, as has the support from the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch. I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.”
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“The last two days have been difficult. But I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me. Grazie Mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra and my entire family.”
On his GoFundMe page, Van Zandt said: “He has already undergone at least one major surgery and will need ongoing medical care and additional procedures. Doctors expect him to remain in South Africa for many weeks before he can be safely evaluated for travel back to the U.S.
“Andrea’s wife, Audra, is en route to be with him, and his sister is travelling from abroad as well. Several fellow players and friends have already visited Andrea in the hospital and say that he is in good spirits.”
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