Andrea Pavan withdraws from South African Open due to serious injuries
Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has been forced to withdraw from the South African Open following what is being described as a freak accident prior to the tournament, reports BritPanorama.
The 36-year-old, a two-time victor on the DP World Tour, sustained serious injuries after falling down an elevator shaft, necessitating surgical treatment. The incident occurred at private accommodations away from the tournament venue.
It is reported that Pavan stepped into an elevator only to find that the car was not present, resulting in a fall of multiple floors. While the details regarding the severity of his injuries remain undisclosed, a spokesperson has cited medical confidentiality, providing little additional information about his condition.
The tournament at Stellenbosch commenced as scheduled, with Scottish golfer Richie Ramsay stepping in to replace Pavan in the field. The circumstances surrounding how the elevator malfunction occurred are still unclear, with tournament officials yet to release further information regarding the incident that has sidelined the experienced player.
Pavan’s professional career includes notable triumphs on European golf’s top circuit, including his first DP World Tour title at the 2018 Czech Masters and another victory at the BMW International Open the following year. Beyond these successes, he has also accumulated five Challenge Tour wins, reinforcing his status within the sport.
The field for the South African Open includes several prominent names, such as former Masters champion Patrick Reed and three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. Pavan, who relocated to the United States as a teenager and graduated from Texas University, has yet to make the cut at any major championship during his professional career.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life on tour, where even the most accomplished athletes can find themselves in unforeseen circumstances.
