Fire fighters had to free the golf superstar from his vehicle using a “jaws of life” tool shortly after 7am on Tuesday in Rancho Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles.
Authorities say that his car, which was the only vehicle involved in the crash, rolled over and sustained “major damage” in the incident near Rolling Hills Estates at 7.12AM.
“On 23 February 2021, at approximately 7:12 AM, LASD responded to a single vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said in a Twitter statement.
“The vehicle was traveling northbound on Hawthorn Boulevard at Blackhorse Road, where it crashed. The vehicle sustained major damage. The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA golfer, Eldrick ‘Tiger’ Woods.
“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.
“The traffic investigation is being conducted by investigators from LASD Lomita Station.”
The golfer’s agent confirmed that he had sustained significant injuries in the accident and was undergoing surgery.
“Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support,” said Mark Steinberg
Mr Woods was in California for for a two-day content shoot with Golf Digest and GOLFTV and had recently finished hosting duties at the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational last weekend, which was won by Max Homa.
The golfer was joined by former NBA player Dwyane Wayde and comedian David Spade for filming at the Rolling Hills Country Club on Monday.
“Golf lesson with this guy today. And you know what? He’s not bad… He picks things up very quickly. Good listener,” tweeted Mr Spade.
Woods was last in action at the PNC Championship, which concluded on 20 December, he played the event alongside his son Charlie.
After successfully undergoing a fifth back surgery in January to remove pressure from a disc fragment in his spine, Woods spoke of his optimism at playing in this year’s Masters, a tournament he won in 2019 to end an 11-year drought in major championships.
“I’m feeling fine, little bit stiff,” Woods said.
“Have one more MRI scheduled to see if the annulus has 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 before you can start gravitating towards something a little more.”
