Professional golfer Andrea Pavan, 36, fell three stories down an elevator shaft in Stellenbosch, South Africa, sustaining injuries to his shoulder and back that required surgery. The Italian, who was set to compete in the Investec South African Open, has withdrawn from the event and is recovering in hospital. In a statement released Friday, Pavan expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
Andrea Pavan was in South Africa for this week's Investec South African Open Championship when the accident occurred on Wednesday at his private accommodation in Stellenbosch. The elevator doors opened, but no car was present, leading to his fall down the shaft. He underwent surgery on his shoulder and back that evening and remains hospitalized at Mediclinic.
In a statement via the DP World Tour on Friday, Pavan said: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours. 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 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, a two-time DP World Tour winner with victories including the 2019 BMW International Open, was part of Texas A&M's 2009 NCAA championship team. His former teammate Matt Van Zandt started a GoFundMe to support Pavan, his wife Audra, and their three children, which had raised over $40,000 of its $100,000 goal by Friday. Van Zandt wrote: “Now is the time that we come together and support him through this unexpected trial.”
Pavan's college coach J.T. Higgins noted that he is in good spirits and FaceTiming with his kids. He faces at least six weeks in hospital before potentially returning to the Dallas area. Professional golfers such as Richard Mansell, Nacho Elvira, and Jhonattan Vegas have donated to the fundraiser.
