Two-time DP World Tour winner Andrea Pavan was forced to withdraw from the South African Open after reportedly suffering serious, but not life-threatening, injuries in a freak accident. According to multiple sources, the Italian fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened without the car in place.
It has been reported that the 36-year-old fell several floors and underwent surgery lasting several hours following the incident, days before the South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club, forcing him out of the tournament. Richie Ramsay replaced Pavan in the field for the $1.5million prize fund with the DP pro facing a prolonged layoff as he recovers from his injuries.
A DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed that Pavan “withdrew due to injury” from the tournament but couldn’t provide more information due to medical confidentiality.
Social media account Monday Q Info posted to 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.
“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, reported that Pavan is in a stable condition. While it has been claimed by various outlets that the accident occurred at Pavan’s private accommodation for the week and not in the official tour accommodation.
Pavan was set to tee off in South Africa in his first DP event since finishing tied ninth at the Bahrain Championship. The 36-year-old missed the cut for the Qatar Masters, which was won by American Patrick Reid who finished two clear of Scot Calum Hill.
The Italian has been a pro for 16 years after making his move into the professional game in 2010, since then he has picked up two wins, earning his first Tour triumph at the D+D Czech Masters in 2018. He followed up a year later to win the BMW International Open.
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