PGA legend Tiger Woods was hospitalized following a violent car crash on February 23, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The LASD reported on Tuesday that the 45-year-old golf star was involved in an accident that took place “at approximately 7:12 a.m.” local time in California. Officers responded “to a single-vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Ranchos Palos Verdes.”
LA County Sheriff’s Dept. to CBSN LA … Woods’ injuries are non life-threatening
Video of the vehicle’s damage posted on Twitter reveals the severity of the accident. He was driving Genesis GV80 SUV, according to the New York Post.
“The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA golfer Eldrick ‘Tiger’ Woods,” the LASD’s statement read. “Mr. Woods was extricated from the wreck with the ‘jaws of life’ but Los Angeles County firefights and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries.”
His injuries are not considered life-threatening, however, Woods shattered his ankle and sustained two leg fractures.
Lieutenant Michael White clarified to E! News that the jaws of life were not used to removed Woods from the vehicle. He was removed from the car through a window and was conscious during the retrieval.
Investigators from the LASD Lomita Station are investigating the traffic accident, according to the police report. Mark Steinberg, Tiger’s agent released an official statement on Tuesday afternoon that Woods was in surgery.” An LASD source told TMZ Sports that they do not believe the accident was alcohol-related but “did not state whether any other substance was possibly involved,” TMZ reported.
A witness told TMZ that Woods was speeding as he pulled out of the hotel Tuesday morning. They said once the golfer got in his car, he appeared “agitated and impatient,” while getting the vehicle started, and then “took off fast.”
Woods is the father of two children with ex-wife Elin Nordegren. They share a son named Charlie Axel Woods, and daughter, Sam Alexis Woods.
Woods Was in the Los Angeles Area for a ‘Golf Digest’ Shoot
GettyMax Homa of the United States stands with the trophy and tournament host Tiger Woods (L) after defeating Tony Finau of the United States (not pictured) in a playoff to win The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on February 21, 2021 in Pacific Palisades, California.
After serving as host for the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational over the weekend, Woods was on the west coast for a two-day shoot with Golf Digest, the outlet reported on February 23.
Tiger Woods was literally JUST playing golf with Dwyane Wade yesterday ❤️
On February 22, Woods spent time with Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade and comedian David Spade at Rolling Hills Country Club. However, Woods, who underwent back surgery last month, didn’t play any rounds of golf or even take a swing. Woods had explained to CBS’ Jim Nantz the day before that he was awaiting one more MRI before being able to return to competition.
Tournament host @TigerWoods gives an update on his health and his plans for the near future.
“I’m feeling fine, little bit stiff,” Woods said on Sunday. “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.”
Woods Last Played Alongside His Son at the PNC Championship in December
GettyTiger Woods of the United States and son Charlie Woods line up a putt on the 15th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club on December 20, 2020.
Following Woods’ appearance with his son Charlie Woods at the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Orland Florida in December, he underwent a microdiscectomy procedure “to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was pinching a nerve,” Golf Digest reported.
While this was the first spinal surgery Woods has needed since 2017, it’s the fifth time the golfer has gone under the knife for back-related injuries. According to fellow golfer Rory McIlroy, Woods’ surgery took place on December 23.
Woods remained in good spirits following the procedure. He laughed with Nantz on Sunday about his recovery. “I’ve lengthened my putter,” Woods said. “I don’t have to bend over as far. I’ve gone to the same length as my sand wedge.”
As for whether or not Woods would be ready to play in the Masters this year, which begins on April 8, “God, I hope so,” he said. “I got to get there first. Lot of it is based off my surgeons, my doctors, my therapists and making sure I do [the recovery] correctly. This is the only back I got, and I don’t have much wiggle room left there.”
“I don’t know what the plan is,” Woods continued. “Plan is to get the MRI and see if the annulus is healed, and scarred over, and then start progressing.”
Following Woods’ accident on Tuesday, Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, shared the following statement: “We have been made aware of Tiger Woods’ car accident today. We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery. On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers.”
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Tiger Woods’ Health Update: Golf Legend Hospitalized After ‘Major’ Crash