Golfer Andrea Pavan has pulled out of this week’s DP World Tour event in South Africa after he was hospitalized following a fall down an elevator shaft.
According to Ryan French of Monday Q Info and Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine, the 36-year-old two-time DP World Tour winner fell multiple floors in a building where he was staying after the doors of the elevator opened, but no cab was there and Pavan stepped through.
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The Rome, Italy, native reportedly needed “extensive” surgeries on Wednesday night for his injuries, which included his shoulder and back.
“By all accounts, he’s in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids,” J.T. Higgins, Pavan’s college coach at Texas A&M, told Romine.
The DP World Tour confirmed Pavan’s withdrawal due to injury, but did not offer specifics.
On Friday, Pavan released a statement via the DP World Tour:
“I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours,” Pavan said. “I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital.
“I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me, but the care I have received so far from the Mediclinic hospital staff has been incredible, as has the support from the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch. I am also very grateful for all the help (South African Open board member) Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.
“The last two days have been difficult, but I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me.
“Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”
Pavan’s former college teammate, Matt Van Zandt, has set up a GoFundMe page. As of Friday morning, nearly $42,000 has been raised.
“He was rushed to a local hospital with significant injuries to his shoulder and back, including severe shoulder damage and fractures to several vertebrae. He has already undergone at least one major surgery and will need ongoing medical care and additional procedures. Doctors expect him to remain in South Africa for many weeks before he can be safely evaluated for travel back to the U.S. Andrea’s wife, Audra, is en route to be with him, and his sister is traveling from abroad as well.”
Pavan has eight total wins in his professional career, the last coming at the 2019 BMW International Open in Germany where he beat Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff. While at Texas A&M, he was a part of the program’s 2009 NCAA championship team. He has played in three majors, including last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.
