Tiger Woods underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday after suffering serious injuries in a rollover accident in Los Angeles. Woods, a 45-year-old Gulf legend, was the only person in the vehicle to suffer “major damage” in the crash, officials said.
Woods is awake, receptive and recovering from a “long surgical procedure” on his right lower leg and ankle, according to a statement posted on his Twitter account early Wednesday. “Thank you all for your support and overwhelming messages at this difficult time.”
Deputies responded to the scene Tuesday at 7:12 a.m. local time, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. His SUV went downhill, traveling several hundred yards, overturning several times before landing on a hill in a Los Angeles suburb.
Woods was trapped inside, forcing the first responders to use tools to open the windshield to get Woods out, local officials said. The beloved golfer was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he required emergency surgery.
“Mr Woods suffered significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity, which were treated during emergency surgery,” said Dr Anish Mahajan, the hospital’s chief physician and interim CEO.
Woods’ SUV – a 2021 Genesis GV80 – was the only vehicle involved in the crash. Photos and videos from the scene showed significant damage to the front of the vehicle. Golf clubs and other personal items were taken from the scene and a crane later removed the crumpled SUV.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said there were no initial signs that Woods had been affected. The interior of the SUV remained intact, which gave Woods the cushion to survive, Villanueva said, adding that the investigation could take several weeks.
Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who responded to the scene, said Woods is calm but can’t be alone. “I asked his name, he told me his name was Tiger and at that moment I recognized him immediately,” Gonzalez told reporters. “He seemed lucid and calm.”
Gonzalez said Woods was wearing a seat belt, which “increased” his chances of survival. The deputy called the part of the road a “problem area” for speed and accidents. “He was very lucky that Mr. Woods came out of his life,” he said.
Ryan Kang / AP
Woods, a Florida resident, is in Los Angeles to host his annual Genesis Invitational golf tournament. He spent the last two days filming with Discovery Golf TV alongside comedian David Spade and former NBA player Dwyane Wade, who posted a video of their meeting.
Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, has 82 PGA Tour career victories, including 15 major championships. He recovered from the back operation and has not played since the December PNC Championship.
On February 16, Woods said he was still rehabilitating after the procedure, but did not confirm whether he would play for the Masters in April. “I feel good, I feel good. I’m a little stiff,” Woods said last week. “Still in the gym, I’m still doing the mundane things you have to do for rehab.”
Professional players, athletes and celebrities, including Jack Nicklaus, Alex Rodriguez and Magic Johnson, sent Woods good wishes as he recovered from the accident.
“Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s accident, and like everyone else, we’re deeply concerned,” Nickalus posted on Twitter Tuesday. “We want to offer our heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all that is best for a full recovery.”
“I just saw the terrible news,” said golfer Justin Rose posted on Twitter. “We know how tough you are, I’ve seen him a hundred times. Hoping and praying you’re good friends.”
Ringo HW Chiu / AP
This is the third car incident involving the major champion. In 2009, his vehicle hit a tree. Soon, revelations about infidelity emerged, which cost Woods sponsorships and brought him into rehab. In 2017, Woods was arrested and charged with DUI when Florida police found him fainting behind the wheel of a parked car.
Two years later, Woods returned remarkably to greatness, winning the Masters for the fifth time. “I had serious doubts after what happened a few years ago,” Woods said at the time. “I was very lucky to be given another chance to do something I love to do.”