Tiger Woods in surgery after LA car crash

Tiger Woods has suffered “multiple” leg injuries in a car crash in Los Angeles, needing to be cut out of the vehicle.

Tournament host Tiger Woods pictured on Sunday during the final round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Picture: Harry How/Getty Images.

The accident involving the 15-time major winner was confirmed in a statement released by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs’ office.

It read: “On February 2021, at approximately 7.12am, LASD responded to a single vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes.

“The vehicle was travelling northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard, at Blackhorse Road, when it crashed. The vehicle sustained major damage.

“The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA golfer Eldrick Tiger Woods. Mr Woods was extricated from the wreck with the “Jaws of Life” by Los Angeles County Firefighters and Paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries.

“The traffic investigation is being conducted by investigators from LASD Lomita Station.”

His agent, Mark Steinberg, said the 45-year-old had suffered “multiple” leg injuries.

In a statement to Golf Digest, he added: “He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”

Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

He is currently recovering from a fifth back procedure and admitted he is facing a race against time to be ready for the Masters in April.

According to reports, Woods had stayed on in LA for a two-day content shoot with Golf Digest/GOLFTV.

Woods was injured in a previous car crash near his home in Florida in November 2009.

That was the start of revelations that he had been cheating on his then wife, Elin, with multiple women.

In May 2017, Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of a car. He was arrested on a DUI charge and said he had an unexpected reaction to prescription medicine for his back pain. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Justin Thomas, a close friend, was almost in tears as he gave his reaction to the accident in California.

“I’m sick to my stomach,” said the former US PGA champion, speaking ahead of the WGC-Workday Championship at The Concession Golf Club in Florida.

“It hurts to see one of my closest friends getting in an accident and I just hope he’s all right.

“Just worried for his kids, you know, I’m sure they will struggle.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan commented: “On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers.”

The R&A said of the three-time Open champion: “Our thoughts are with Tiger and his family at this time. We wish him all the very best for his recovery.”

Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO of Hero MotoCorp, which sponsors the Hero World Challenge for Woods, said he was “deeply shocked” about his “dear friend” being involved in an accident.

“All of us at Hero wish him a complete and speedy recovery,” he added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tiger and his family at this difficult time. The fighter that Tiger is, I am sure he will come out victorious from this one, too.”

Ryder Cup star Justin Rose, who is managed by the same company, said the crash was “awful news”.

The Englishman added in a social media post: “We know how tough you are, we’ve seen it a hundred times. Hoping and praying you’re ok my friend.”

It was later confirmed LASD Lt. Michael White that Woods has "non life-threatening injuries".

He added that he believed Woods, an 82-time PGA Tour winner, was conscious when officers got to him and said of the site of the accident: “It’s a steep grade where you could pick up substantial speed.”

A message from the Editor:

Get a year of unlimited access to all of The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis, exclusive interviews, live blogs, and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions/sports