Tiger Woods car crash: Golfer awake and responsive as Police investigate incident

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Police are investigating what caused Tiger Woods to swerve off a Southern California road in his sport utility vehicle, colliding with a tree and rolling down a hillside in a crash that left the golf great seriously injured.

The 45-year-old was pried from the wreckage by rescue crews and rushed by ambulance from the scene of the Tuesday morning crash, suffering what his agent described as "multiple leg injuries."

Rods and screws were inserted into Woods's shin and ankle during emergency surgery following the dramatic car crash, medics revealed.

In a statement released in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Anish Mahajan said Mr Woods suffered "significant orthopaedic injuries" to his right lower leg after his car rolled off a road in southern Los Angeles. He added that there is "trauma to the muscle and soft tissue of the leg".

"He is currently awake, responsive and recovering in his hospital room," a statement posted on Tiger Woods's Twitter account said. 

The diagnosis leaves Mr Woods’s golf career in the balance.

LA police revealed that the golfer's vehicle had rolled over "several times" after hitting the central reservation and careering across the road and that fire crews had to employ an axe to pull him from the wreckage through the windscreen.

"It was very fortunate that Mr Woods was able to come out of this alive,” said a spokesperson, adding he was "extremely lucky to survive".

The 15-time major-winner was reported to have suffered multiple fractures and lacerations on both legs and had to be rushed to the operating theatre.

Fellow pros were in tears when told the initial news and then there was huge relief when it was revealed by the LA Sheriff Department that the injuries were “non-life-threatening”. 

However, there are obvious concerns that this could be the end for Woods the golfer, who has bestrode his sport like no other.

The accident happened at 7.12am when rescue services were called to Ranchos Palos Verdes, a district south of the Californian city. No other cars were believed to be involved.

Woods' vehicle swerved across the median strip into an oncoming lane then struck a curb and a tree as it plunged off the road and down an embankment, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.

The sheriff added that the steep and winding stretch of road "has a high frequency of accidents."

Mr Villanueva said the distance the vehicle travelled before leaving the roadway, with no visible skid marks, pointed to the car "going at a relatively greater speed than normal".

Fire department officials said emergency personnel pulled Woods from the vehicle through the front windshield after the glass and its surrounding frame were cut out and removed.

Woods, a father of two, was on his own in a Genesis GV80, a four-by-four. Overhead images showed the $100,000 car on its side, with its bonnet caved in and the airbag inflated.

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Mr Villanueva said Woods was conscious and "able to communicate" when rescue personnel arrived.

The sheriff said there was no evidence of driver impairment when Woods was assessed by emergency workers at the scene, and no blood samples were drawn by investigators after he was rushed by ambulance to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Sheriff's deputy Carlos Gonzales, first on the scene, said Woods, still wearing his seatbelt, was "calm and lucid." The deputy said he immediately recognised the golfing great after Woods told him his name was "Tiger."

Woods’ long-time agent, Mark Steinberg, quickly confirmed the calamity that shocked the world of golf and beyond.  

"Tiger was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries," Steinberg said. "He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support."

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies inspect the vehicle of golfer Tiger Woods
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies inspect the vehicle of golfer Tiger Woods Credit: Reuters

Woods, who now lives in Florida, was back in his childhood hometown in his role as tournament host of the Genesis Open, which finished on Sunday – hence the courtesy car.

He has been out of action since undergoing a fifth back operation in December, but showed up at Riviera Country Club to support the PGA Tour event which benefits his charitable foundation. 

Woods was expected to return to his Jupiter mansion on Sunday night, but pictures surfaced on Monday of him at a sponsor’s event with basketball player Dwayne Wade and actor David Spade at Rolling Hills Country Club a 20-minute drive from the crash site.

He was meant to be there for a second day of the photoshoot. However, we now know Woods did not make that appointment.

Word quickly reached the World Golf Championship Workday Challenge near Tampa, where the game’s top players are preparing for Thursday's first round.

Justin Thomas, a neighbour and regular practice partner of Woods, could not contain his emotions in a press conference he should never have been asked to undertake at the Concession Golf Club. 

“I'm sick to my stomach,” the world No 3 said, his voice cracking up as he cried. “You know, it hurts to see one of your closest friends get in an accident. Man, I just hope he's all right. Just worry for his kids [daughter Sam, 13 and son Charlie, 11]. I'm sure they're struggling.” 

Adam Scott concurred. “It’s sickening,” the former world No 1 said. “He’s our hero out here. You think guys like Tiger and Kobe Bryant are untouchable, but they’re not. I just hope he’s all right.”

Jack Nicklaus said: “Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery.”

Woods’s turbulent narrative has an eerie connection with car crashes. In 2009, he was involved in a collision with a fire hydrant outside his then Orlando home and from there the exposés poured forth of his multiple affairs. The sex scandal ruined his marriage and his reputation and his game went into a spiral. 

    He reinstated himself as world No 1 in 2013 but his spinal complaints started to take their toll and in 2017, Woods was arrested in Florida on DUI charges when discovered slumped over his wheel in the early hours.  A toxicology report found five different pain-killing drugs in his system and he entered rehabilitation soon after. 

    On Sunday, Woods gave an interview during the final round and cast doubt that he would recover from this latest procedure in time to play in the Masters in April, the major where he made his dramatic comeback two years ago.

    Viewers discussed on social media that Woods looked weary and strangely unresponsive during the segment. The sheriff department said on Tuesday night there was "no evidence of impairment at this point of time".

    As well as Thomas and Rose, the best-wishes came from far and wide. "Our thoughts are with Tiger and his family at this time,” said the R&A. President Trump also extended his respect: “Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion!"

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