Woods rescued from wreckage after car crash
▶golf icon has surgery on both legs in Los Angeles hospital ▶players’ relief as sheriff says injuries ‘non-life-threatening’
Tiger Woods’s golf career looked in the balance last night as he lay in a Los Angeles hospital bed after undergoing surgery on both legs following a car crash from which he had to be rescued through the windscreen.
Police revealed that the 45-yearold’s vehicle had rolled over “several times” after hitting the central reservation and careering across the road, and that fire crews had to pull him from the wreckage.
The 15-time major winner was reported to have suffered multiple fractures and lacerations on both legs and had to be rushed to the operating theatre.
Fellow professionals were in tears when told the initial news and then there was huge relief when it was revealed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department that the injuries were “non-life-threatening”.
However, there are obvious concerns that this could be the end of Woods’s career, the golfer who
has bestrode his sport like no other. The accident happened at 7.12am local time, when rescue services were called to Rancho Palos Verdes, a district south of the Californian city. No other cars were believed to be involved but the hows and whys of the drama have yet to be revealed.
What is known is that Woods, a father of two, was on his own in a Genesis GV80, a four-by-four. Overhead images showed the $100,000 car on its side, with its bonnet caved in and the airbag inflated. Woods’s long-time agent, Mark Steinberg, quickly confirmed the calamity that shocked the world of golf and beyond.
“Tiger was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries,” Steinberg said. “He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”
The sheriff ’s department added details. “The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA [Tour] golfer, Eldrick ‘Tiger’ Woods,” it said in a statement. “The vehicle sustained major damage. 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.”
An investigation is under way. Later, police released the positive update concerning the father of two, saying that Woods’s life was not in danger and that he was conscious when saved from the carnage.
Woods, who now lives in Florida, was back in his childhood hometown in his role as tournament host of the Genesis Open, which finished on Sunday – hence the courtesy car. He has been out of action since undergoing a fifth back operation in December, but had showed up at Riviera Country Club to support the PGA Tour event which benefits his charitable foundation.
He was expected to return to his Jupiter mansion on Sunday night, but pictures surfaced on Monday of Woods at a sponsor’s event with basketball player Dwyane Wade and actor David Spade at Rolling Hills
Country Club a 20-minute drive from the crash site. He was meant to be there for the second day of a photo-shoot. However, we now know Woods did not make that appointment.
Word quickly reached the World Golf Championship Workday Challenge near Tampa, where the game’s top players are preparing for tomorrow’s first round. Justin Thomas, a neighbour and regular practise partner of Woods, could not contain his emotions in a press conference he should never have been asked to undertake at the Concession Golf Club.
“I’m sick to my stomach,” the world No3 said, his voice cracking up as he cried. “You know, it hurts to see one of your closest friends get in an accident. Man, I just hope he’s all right. Just worry for his kids [daughter Sam, 13, and son Charlie, 11]. I’m sure they’re struggling.”
Adam Scott concurred. “It’s sickening,” the former world No1 said. “He’s our hero out here. You think guys like Tiger and Kobe Bryant are untouchable, but they’re not. I just hope he’s all right.”
Jack Nicklaus, the 18-time major winner, said: “Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery.”
Woods’s turbulent narrative has an eerie connection with car crashes. In 2009, he was involved in a collision with a fire hydrant outside his then Orlando home and from there the exposes poured forth of his multiple affairs. The sex scandal ruined his marriage and reputation and his game went into a downward spiral.
He reinstated himself as world No1 in 2013 but his spinal complaints started to take their toll and in 2017, Woods was arrested in Florida on driving-under-the-influence charges when discovered slumped at the wheel in the early hours. A toxicology report found find five different painkilling drugs in his system and he entered rehabilitation soon after.
On Sunday, Woods gave an interview during the final round and had cast doubt on his recovery from this latest procedure in time to play in the Masters in April, the major where he made his dramatic comeback two years ago. Viewers discussed on social media that Woods looked weary and strangely unresponsive during the segment.
The sheriff ’s department said last night there was “no evidence of impairment at this point of time”.
As well as Thomas and Rose, the best-wishes came from far and wide. “Our thoughts are with Tiger and his family at this time,” said the R&A.
Donald Trump, the former president, also offered his respects: “Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion!”
“He has mental strength stronger than most and has fought many battles and won many of them. His mental strength will win this battle. Prayers and thoughts to Tiger and his family.”