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Tiger Woods is in surgery after sustaining “multiple leg injuries” in a car accident in Los Angeles, California.
The 15-time major golf champion, 45, had to be “rescued from the shipwreck” by firefighters and paramedics.
Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, said: “He is currently in surgery and we appreciate his privacy and support.”
Steinberg confirmed the detail that the American had suffered “multiple leg injuries.”
Woods was at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles over the weekend hosting the Genesis Invitational tournament.
A statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it responded to the accident “at the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes” on Tuesday morning local time.
He added: “Mr. Woods was rescued from the shipwreck with the ‘jaws of life’ by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, and then taken to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries.”
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said:“The units were dispatched at 07:22 and encountered a single vehicle rollover. An adult male was helped out of the vehicle and transported to a local area hospital in serious condition.”
World number three Justin Thomas is one of Woods’ best friends on tour and expressed concern for his compatriot.
“I’m sick to my stomach,” Thomas said. “You know, it hurts to see one of your … closest friends have an accident.
“Man, I just hope he’s okay. Just worry about his kids, you know. I’m sure they’re fighting.”
A statement from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said: “We are waiting for more information when you come 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.”
Woods was involved in a car accident in November 2009 that eventually led to his admitting to infidelity and the breakdown of his marriage. He then took a break from golf, but returned shortly after.
After five wins in 2013, Woods started just 24 events in the next four years due to chronic back pain and multiple surgeries.
In 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving when he was found asleep at the wheel of his car. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
He had five prescription drugs in his system while recovering from spinal fusion surgery that ultimately gave him a second career as a golfer.
Woods ended an 11-year wait for a major title when he won the Masters at Augusta in 2019.
Along with Sam Snead, he holds the record for the most PGA Tour wins at 82 and is three behind Jack Nicklaus’ mark of 18 major titles.
Woods recently said that he had waited to play in this year’s Masters in April after having a fifth back surgery in January.
He finished 2019 sixth in the world golf rankings, but is now 50th.
BBC Golf Correspondent Iain Carter told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Tiger Woods has had this extraordinary life that has had huge ups and downs on the golf course, but some extraordinary lows in his personal life.
“This is now a very serious situation for his career.
“He appeared on American television on Sunday. Many observers were concerned about how undecided he was about the nature of the progress that was being made in terms of his recovery and whether or not he would be eligible for the Masters.
“All thoughts on that are now completely lost and they are no longer a priority.”
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