‘Agitated’ Tiger was in big rush
TV director saw Tiger ‘almost smash into him’ Fans feared for ‘tired’ golfer in Sunday interview
GOLF fans had expressed fears for Tiger Woods, days before his life-threatening car smash.
Worrying questions over the star’s frame of mind arose as police confirmed yesterday that the 45-year-old’s life had likely been saved by his seatbelt when he lost control of his SUV at high speed.
Woods had been rushing to a golf club on Tuesday morning to film for GolfTV when he crashed – shattering his right leg.
A TV director claims that 15 minutes earlier, Woods had almost smashed into his car, appearing “agitated and impatient” as he left an exclusive Los Angeles resort after becoming “blocked in” by another driver.
And on Sunday, fans spoke of their concern for Woods after he appeared “bloated” and tired in an interview – despite his insistence he was “feeling fine”.
Yesterday, the former British Open champion was said to be awake and recovering following lengthy surgery that has left his sporting career in jeopardy.
In a statement issued on his official Twitter page, Woods’ team updated his condition as girlfriend Erica Herman, 35, was thought to be at his bedside at Harbor-UCLA Medical Centre.
Chief medical officer Anish Mahajan said the 15-times Major champion suffered “significant” injuries to his right leg and needed a rod inserting to stabilise the fractures.
He also suffered additional injuries to his foot and ankle that were stabilised with a combination of screws and pins.
Police last night ruled out any charges against Woods. LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said: “There was no evidence of any impairment whatsoever. He was lucid, no odour of alcohol, no evidence of any medication, narcotics, anything like that. This is what it is – an accident.”
Woods, who four years ago pleaded guilty to reckless driving in Florida, was driving through an accident black spot with a 45mph limit when he crashed on Tuesday morning. He reportedly hit a raised central reservation “at speed”, smashed through a street sign, hit a tree and then flipped his loaned £50,000 Genesis GV80 SUV several times. The vehicle came to rest in bushes at the side of the road near the Rolling Hills estates in Los Angeles County.
By the time firefighters pulled him out using a crowbar and axe, he could not stand.
Deputy Carlos Gonzalez found him trapped inside after being alerted by a resident who heard the crash. The officer said yesterday: “It’s very fortunate Mr Woods was able to come out of this alive.
“I don’t think he was aware of how gravely he was injured at the time. It could be a mixture of adrenaline, it could’ve been shock.”
The officer added: “Mr Woods seemed calm, he didn’t seem like he was in distress, and he was able to kind of talk to me a little bit.”
On Sunday, however, viewers were concerned for Woods as he gave interviews and commentated at The Genesis Invitational at California’s Riviera Country Club.
Some likened his looks to his police mugshot taken following his 2017 arrest for driving under the influence. Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier said: “Tiger’s appearance in the booth had a lot
He was very fortunate. I don’t think he was aware how gravely he was hurt
DEPUTY CARLOS GONZALES WHO FOUND STAR IN WRECKAGE
of people concerned. His eyes were puffy, and he said he was feeling stiff after a fifth back surgery.”
Woods insisted: “I am feeling fine. I have one more MRI scheduled.
“I am still in the gym, doing the mundane stuff you have to do for rehab.” But fans were worried. Will Trinkwon tweeted: “Bloody hell. Honestly, reckon this last surgery could be the end for him.”
Sam Riggs Bozoian wrote: “I am not overhyped about what I just saw from the great Tiger Woods. Think maybe he’s been sleeping since December?”
Don Johnston tweeted: “With all due respect, I don’t think golf misses him all that much anymore. His Masters win was fantastic, but he’ll never be close to what he was.”
However, basketball legend Dwyane Wade, who had filmed with Woods on Monday, said the former world No1 appeared normal. Woods is worth an estimated £585million, despite a bigmoney divorce from Elin Nordegren in 2010. He later dated skier Lindsey Vonn and has not played competitive golf since December after surgery in January.
A source close to Woods told America’s People magazine: “He doesn’t want his career to end like this. So if there’s any way at all that he can continue playing, he will.”