HAAS IS OK AFTER FATAL CAR CRASH

BILL HAAS was lucky to escape with his life after surviving a fatal car crash in California.

The world No.67 was a passenger in a Ferrari in which the driver was pronounced dead at the scene in Pacific Palisades, near Los Angeles.

The 35-year-old was released from hospital with no major injuries but his father, former Ryder Cup star Jay Haas, said: “Bill was very fortunate.”

A car driven by Legally Blonde actor Luke Wilson – brother of Hollywood star Owen – was hit by the Ferrari just before the crash.

Haas (below) has since pulled out of today’s Genesis Open at the nearby Riviera Country Club. The Ferrari driver was 71-year-old Mark William Gibello, a friend of Haas’ swing coach Billy Harmon and who was hosting the golfer for the week.

A statement released by Haas’ Players Group Management said: “Bill is understandably shaken up and will withdraw from the Genesis Open and plans to head home to Greenville to recover.

“He appreciates the support of friends, family and the golf world as a whole, and he has asked for privacy as he processes what has happened.”

Haas is a previous winner of the Genesis Open and has five other PGA Tour wins to his credit, including the FedExCup title in 2011.

Back on the course, Rory McIlroy is due to tee it up with Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas in a mouthwatering trio today.

Woods, who has made 10 starts at Riviera, is still seeking his first victory in his hometown event.

He first played here in 1992 as a 16-year-old but this will be his first appearance at Riviera since 2006.

Northern Ireland ace McIlroy is now No.10 in the world and looking to bounce back from a missed cut at the AT&T at Pebble Beach.

McIlroy shot rounds of 68, 74 and 72 for a 214 total which meant he missed out on competing in the final round on the famous Pebble Beach course.