Tiger Woods was taken to hospital with “multiple leg injuries” after being involved in a serious car crash in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
The golf superstar, 45, was driving alone when he rolled his vehicle around 7am local time and had to be extricated from his car with the jaws of life.
The LA Sherriff’s Department confirmed it had responded to a single vehicle rollover on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Ranchos Palos Verdes.
Woods’ vehicle was travelling northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard, at Blackhorse Road, when it crashed.
“The vehicle sustained major damage,” the LASD said in a statement.
“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.”
Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg released a short statement confirming Woods had “suffered multiple leg injuries.
“He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support,” Steinberg said.
Woods was in LA for the US PGA Genesis Invitational, where he serves as tournament host.
On Tuesday he made his first public comments since undergoing his fifth back surgery, with the 15-time major champion uncertain if he will be able to play at the Masters.
Asked if he plans to play in April at the Masters, which he won in 2019, Woods said, “God, I hope so.”
The winner of 82 US PGA titles, level with Sam Snead for the all-time record, said it would depend on how well he recovers.
“I’m feeling fine. I’m a little stiff,” Woods said. “I have one more MRI scheduled so we’ll see if the annulus is scarred over finally and then I can start doing more activities.
“Still in the gym, still doing the mundane stuff that you have to do for rehab, the little things where I can start gravitating toward something more.”
Woods had no timetable for a return and said of playing in the final round on April 11 at Augusta National: “I’ve got to get there first. I don’t have much wiggle room. I’ve only got one back.”
Woods underwent a microdiscectomy after playing alongside son Charlie at a December event but is unsure when his next competitive outing might occur.
“I don’t know what the plan is,” Woods admitted. “The plan right now is to get through tomorrow and start progressing.”
Woods said he intends to make sure he works with doctors about his comeback and “do it correctly.”
— with AFP
