Tiger Woods 'responsive and recovering' after emergency surgery following car crash in Los Angeles

ByRichard Newman

Published 24/02/2021 at 09:53 GMT

The 15-time Major winner Tiger Woods required an operation on “significant” right leg injuries after crashing his SUV, in an accident the Los Angeles County Sheriff said could have been “fatal”. Woods required a rod to stabilise his tibia, while pins and screws were needed to fix his foot and ankle, having suffered significant open fractures.

Tiger Woods is said to be “responsive” after requiring emergency surgery to treat open fractures suffered in a car crash in Los Angeles.

The 15-time Major winner was taken to hospital after his SUV was seen to have veered off the side of the road, where it finally ended up on its side. The American was removed from his vehicle by fire fighters and paramedics, and has since had an operation to repair his right leg.

The chief medical officer and interim CEO of the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Dr Anish Mahajan, said he had sustained open fractures which were “comminuted”, meaning a break of a bone in more than one place. Woods required a pin to stabilise his right leg, with pins and screws needed to fix his ankle and foot.

Masters

Woods breaks Masters record with 24th consecutive cut at Augusta National

13/04/2024 at 08:46

The Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the crash would have been “fatal”, had it not been for the interior condition of Woods’ car, which was fairly intact after the exterior had been severely damaged.

Tiger Woods' car was found on its side in Los Angeles

Image credit: Getty Images

In a statement posted on his Twitter account (0530 UK time), Woods was said to be “currently awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room”.

Dr Mahajan, from the hospital, added that: "Mr Woods suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center.

Aerial footage of Tiger Woods crash site released

"Comminuted open fractures affecting the upper and lower of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia. Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilised with a combination of screws and pins.

"Trauma to the muscle and soft tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling."

A Tiger Woods fan takes flowers to the hospital the 15-time Major winner is being treated

Image credit: Getty Images

Sheriff Villanueva said the area Woods crashed his car is a hotspot for accidents, as it slopes downhill. An investigation is looking into what could have caused the crash.

• Tiger Woods sustains 'multiple leg injuries' in serious car crash

Fellow golfers have sent their best wishes to Woods, with Justin Thomas saying he felt "sick to my stomach"

"You know, it hurts to see one of your... now one of my closest friends get in an accident.

"Man, I just hope he's all right. Just worry for his kids, you know. I'm sure they're struggling."

Record Major winner Jack Nicklaus sent his “heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery."

---

DISCOVERY STATEMENT

Tiger has a long-term partnership with Discovery developing exclusive content for GOLFTV and Golf Digest. He was filming his latest series with us on Monday which will see him giving on course instruction to a number of celebrities including Jada Pinkett Smith, Dwyane Wade and David Spade. He was due to continue filming with us on Tuesday. Everyone at Discovery and GOLFTV is saddened by the news and wishes Tiger a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with him, his family and his team at this time.

Golf

Tiger's brief return, Spieth succumbs to 'dumbest' rule - What we learned from Genesis Invitational

19/02/2024 at 20:05

The Genesis Invitational

Woods withdraws with illness mid-round during PGA Tour comeback

17/02/2024 at 10:23

Golf

Woods: PGA Tour no longer needs Saudi-backed PIF to succeed

15/02/2024 at 17:28