Two-time DP World Tour champion Andrea Pavan was forced to withdraw from the South African Open after reportedly falling down an elevator shaft
Two-time DP World Tour winner Andrea Pavan has withdrawn from the South African Open after allegedly suffering severe, but not life-threatening, injuries in a freak accident. According to multiple reports, the Italian tumbled down a lift shaft when the doors opened despite the lift not being there.
Reports claim that the 36-year-old dropped several storeys and has endured hours of surgery after the incident, just days before the South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club, forcing him out of the tournament. Richie Ramsay was brought in to take Pavan’s place in the competition for the $1.5million prize fund, with the DP professional facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines whilst he recovers from his injuries.
A DP World Tour spokesman confirmed that Pavan “withdrew due to injury” from the event but was unable to offer additional information due to medical confidentiality. Social media account Monday Q Info – run by reporter Ryan French – posted on X: “Some horrible news from the DP event in South Africa.
“Andrea Pavan, 2-time DP winner, was badly injured in a freak accident at this week’s event.
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“According to multiple people Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened on the floor he was on but the car itself wasn’t there. He fell multiple floors and was badly injured.
“Although from the people I spoke with, the injuries don’t seem to be life-threatening, he was in surgery for hours. Keep Andrea and his family in your thoughts.”
Jaeck Pearson, a Czech commentator for Eurosport, confirmed that Pavan is in a stable condition. Various reports suggest the accident occurred at Pavan’s private accommodation for the week rather than at the official tour lodgings.
Pavan was scheduled to tee off in South Africa for his first DP event since finishing tied ninth at the Bahrain Championship. He missed the cut at the Qatar Masters, which was won by American Patrick Reid, who finished two shots clear of Scotland’s Calum Hill.
The Italian has been a professional for 16 years since turning pro in 2010 and has secured two victories, including his maiden Tour triumph at the D+D Czech Masters in 2018. He followed that up 12 months later by capturing the BMW International Open.
Pavan had set his sights on the South African Open after missing the cut by a shot in Qatar.
He posted to his Instagram: “Never fun to miss the cut by 1, but it is always a pleasure to play Doha GC. The Desert swings is over early but still a positive start to the year!”.
“A bit of time at home before I head back out to Kenya and SA!”
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