TIGER’S HORROR SMASH
Woods rushed to surgery after being cut from car
TIGER WOODS was taken to hospital for leg surgery yesterday after being cut from the wreckage of his car following a serious accident in Los Angeles.
While the severity of Woods’ injuries was unknown, LA Sheriff’s office lieutenant Michael White said his condition was ‘non-lifethreatening’ after his vehicle rolled over on Hawthorne Boulevard, sustaining ‘major damage’.
They added that it was necessary for firefighters and paramedics to use the ‘jaws of life’ to free Woods from his car, before he was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Images on the website TMZ showed what was claimed to be Woods’ car, severely damaged on its side in scrubland, having apparently crashed through a
central reservation before flipping several metres off-road.
The American’s agent, Mark Steinberg, put out a brief statement saying: ‘Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.’
In detailing the harrowing crash, the LA County’s sheriff’s office said: ‘At approximately 7.12am, we responded to a single vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. The vehicle was travelling north on Hawthorne Boulevard, at Blackhorse Road, when it crashed. The vehicle sustained major damage.
‘The driver and sole occupant was 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.’
Woods is believed to have suffered compound leg fractures.
The 45-year-old was already a doubt for the Masters in April, having disclosed that he was waiting on the result of an MRI scan following back surgery.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the WGC-Workday Championship, world No3 Justin Thomas expressed his concern for Woods and his two children, Sam and Charlie, saying: ‘I’m sick to my stomach. You know, it hurts to see one of your... now one of my closest friends, get in an accident.
‘Man, I just hope he’s all right. Just worry for his kids, you know. I’m sure they’re struggling.’
Jack Nicklaus, whose record of 18 major titles has been one of Woods’ biggest goals, wrote on Twitter: ‘Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned.
‘We want to offer him our heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery.’
Former United States alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, an ex-girlfriend of Woods, Tweeted: ‘Praying for TW right now.’
And Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale, who is on loan at Tottenham, wrote: ‘Sending my thoughts and prayers to Tiger Woods. Get well soon champ.’
Woods, 45, was at Riviera Country Club at the weekend as host of the Genesis Invitational, but was not competing following recent back surgery.
Pictures on social media showed Woods smiling with comedian David Spade and basketball star Dwayne Wade as they filmed content for GolfTV.
In 2009, he also crashed his SUV near his home in Florida in an incident that preceded his fall from grace amid a storm of revelations about his private life.
In May 2017, with five prescription drugs in his system, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he was found asleep at the wheel of his car and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
He spent 11 months on probation but returned to competition in 2017, won the Tour Championship in September 2018 and completed a remarkable comeback with victory in the 2019 Masters, his 15th major and first since 2008.
In a statement, the PGA Tour said: ‘We have been made aware of Tiger Woods’ car accident. We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery.
‘On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers.’
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley added: ‘Tiger Woods is part of the Augusta National family, and the news is upsetting to all of us. We pray for his full recovery during this time.’