Tiger Woods is in surgery after suffering “multiple leg injuries” in a car crash in Los Angeles, California.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department said that it “responded to a single-vehicle rollover” accident in which the “vehicle sustained major damage”.
Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg said: “He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”
Our thoughts are with Tiger and his family at this time. We wish him all the very best for his recovery.
— The Open (@TheOpen) February 23, 2021
Steinberg confirmed the detail about the American having sustained “multiple leg injuries”.
Woods was at the Riviera Country Club in LA at the weekend as host of the Genesis Invitational tournament.
A statement from the LA County Sheriff’s Department said it responded to the crash “on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes” on Tuesday morning local time.
It added: “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 LA County Fire Department said:“Units dispatched at 07:22 and found a single-vehicle rollover. One adult male was assisted out of the vehicle and transported to a local area hospital in serious condition.”
Woods was involved in a car crash in November 2009 which eventually led to admissions of infidelity and the breakdown of his marriage. He then took a break from golf but returned shortly afterwards.
Following five wins in 2013, Woods started just 24 events in the next four years because of chronic back pain and multiple surgeries.
In 2017 Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he was found asleep at the wheel of his car. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
He had five prescription drugs in his system as he recovered from the spinal fusion surgery that ultimately gave him a second golfing career.
Woods ended an 11-year wait for a major title when he won the Masters at Augusta in 2019.
He jointly holds the record for most PGA Tour wins at 82 with Sam Snead and is three behind Jack Nicklaus’ mark of 18 major titles.
