‘Lucky to be alive’: Shocked Tiger seemed unaware of injuries
A “LUCID and calm” Tiger Woods appeared in shock and not aware of his horrific leg injuries, according to the first police officer to arrive at the site where he was trapped inside his rolled SUV.
The golfing superstar was “lucky to be alive” after the single-person crash, which happened when his loaned luxury car hit a median strip on a hairpin Los Angeles hillside.
Woods had reportedly been driving “very fast” from his nearby hotel shortly before the crash and had been “agitated and impatient” with a valet because he was running late for an appointment about 7am Tuesday, local time.
The 45-year-old was recovering at a UCLA medical centre last night after surgery.
He suffered serious injuries to both legs, including a compound fracture and broken ankle, according to police.
They said there was “no sign of impairment” from drugs or alcohol and speed was likely a factor in the accident in a luxury neighbourhood that is notorious for crashes.
Tributes poured in for the legend, who is considered one of the greatest golfers.
Some were hoping the father-of-two, who has battled personal crises and multiple career-limiting injuries, would stage another comeback.
“Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion!”, Donald Trump said in a statement tweeted by his spokesperson.
Jack Nicklaus, the only golfer to have won more majors than Woods, tweeted in support. “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,” Nicklaus tweeted on behalf of himself and his wife.
It will be several weeks before Los Angeles traffic police finish their investigation.
Woods hit a median strip and travelled “several hundred feet” and rolled over several times.
Los Angeles authorities said Woods spoke to his rescuers, who arrived at the scene within minutes of the crash shortly after 7am Tuesday.
Woods showed “no signs of impairment” and was not tested for drugs and alcohol, according to Chief Daryl Osby of LA County Fire Department.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villaneuva said Woods was driving a large, loaned 2021 Genesis SUV when he appeared to lose control.
“That area has a high frequency of accidents, it’s not uncommon,” said Sheriff Villaneuva, adding that initial evidence showed there was “no skid marks, no braking”.
Chief Osby said Woods was “extricated” through the car windscreen by firefighters using a halligan tool and axe.
Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, the first officer at the accident, said Woods was “lucky to be alive”.
“He was able to speak to me. He seemed calm and lucid. I kept Mr Woods calm until the LA County fire department arrived on the scene,” he said.
THE world’s best golfers were shocked as news spread at the Workday Championship in Florida that Tiger Woods had been in a serious car accident.
Justin Thomas, a close friend of Woods, who plays with his kids, said he was “sick to his stomach” as players were informed what had happened.
He was only told while he was in a press conference and was close to tears.
“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,” Thomas said.
Word began filtering through that Woods was responsive and in surgery for non life-threatening injuries to his legs.
Aussie Adam Scott said Woods was “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,” Scott told PGAtour.com
Tony Finau, who played with Woods in the 2019 Presidents Cup, was reeling.
“I saw the condition of his car. To me, you just hope that he’s OK, that’s the biggest reaction really. A little bit shocked,” he said.
“You know, something crazy happened to our sports world last year with Kobe, so I wouldn’t say that dramatic of feelings, but man, you just hope Tiger’s all right.
“We all know he’s a strong cookie physically, mentally, so if someone’s going to get through this, he will and be back for the better, I’m sure.’’
US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau said he felt “terrible”.
“A bit shocked, obviously. You don’t expect anything like that to happen,” he said.
“But from everything that I know about Tiger, I’m sure he’ll recover and he’ll do everything in his power to come back, I’m sure he will.’’
Golfing greats, including Greg Norman and Ernie Els, also reacted to the news.
Norman said Woods’ “mental strength” would help him get through.
Jack Nicklaus said he was “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,” he said.
Woods has won five Masters titles and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley joined in the chorus of wellwishers.
“Tiger Woods is part of the Augusta National family, and the news of his accident is upsetting to all of us,” Ridley said.
“We pray for him, for his full recovery and for his family during this difficult time.”
World No 2 Jon Rahm said as if Woods “hadn’t been through enough” in a career that most recently included five back operations.
“Just hoping out of a bad situation the best possible outcome, and I hope he can recover from it,” he said.
“Just hope he can get out of the hospital after recovery and he can still play with his kids and have a normal life.”