RANCHO PALOS VERDES (CNS) - Famed golfer Tiger Woods suffered major leg injuries today when the vehicle he was driving rolled off a winding, downhill road in the Rancho Palos Verdes area.
The crash was reported at 7:12 a.m. on Hawthorne Boulevard at Blackhorse Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Woods was the sole occupant of the SUV, and no other vehicles were believed to be involved in the crash. He was pulled from the wreck by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center by ambulance.
According to the county Fire Department, Woods was listed in serious condition when he was taken to the hospital. In a statement to various media outlets, Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said, “Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.''
The circumstances of the crash were under investigation. Woods was driving northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard when the crash occurred, and the SUV crossed the center median. Footage from the scene showed the vehicle resting on its side in a grassy area near some trees, with major front-end damage, on the southbound side of the roadway. Officials were removing the vehicle Tuesday afternoon.
The 45-year-old Cypress native was the host of The Genesis Invitational golf tournament held at Riviera Country Club over the weekend, and the SUV he was driving bore a Genesis logo, suggesting it was a courtesy car provided by the tournament.
Woods had remained in the Southland to participate in a two-day promotional shoot with Golf Digest and Golf TV at Rolling Hills Country Club, where he was reportedly headed this morning for a second consecutive day of filming.
He was photographed at the course Monday with retired NBA star Dwyane Wade and comedian David Spade.
The PGA Tour issued the following statement:
“We have been made aware of Tiger Woods' car accident today. We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery. On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers.''
Other celebrities from the sports and entertainment world quickly send their well wishes.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted: “Everyone send your prayers out to Tiger Woods! He was just in a bad car accident. Let us all pray for his speedy recovery.''
Retired Major League Baseball star Alex Rodriguez tweeted: “Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously await more news. Thinking of him and his entire family.''
Golfer Justin Rose tweeted: “Just seen the awful news. We know how tough you are, we've seen it a hundred times. Hoping and praying you're ok my friend.''
And actress Jada Pinkett Smith tweeted: “Prayers up for the GOAT @TigerWoods who was in an accident this morning. Was just with him yesterday. Don't take not even a MOMENT for granted! I know you're good because your Tiger within is a beast!!!''
Woods, who has battled back issues in recent years, last competed in a golf tournament on Dec. 20, at the PNC Championship in Orlando. He subsequently had surgery to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was pinching a nerve, his first surgery since undergoing a spinal fusion in April 2017.
Woods came back from that operation to win the 2019 Masters, his 15th major title, second only to Jack Nicklaus' 18.
On Sunday, Woods told CBS' Jim Nantz that he was scheduled to have an MRI and would await the results to determine when he could begin training for a return to competition.
Woods has been involved had two other high-profile auto incidents. In November 2009, he crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant outside his Florida home and suffered minor injuries. In 2017, he was found asleep in a vehicle in Jupiter, Florida, and was found to have multiple painkillers and sleeping aids in his system. He subsequently entered a diversion program.
Copyright 2021 City News Service, Inc.
Photo: Getty Images
Copyright 2021 City News Service, Inc.