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Tiger Woods is in the hospital with serious leg injuries following a potentially fatal car accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.
The golf icon was traveling alone in Rancho Palos Verdes when his vehicle collided with a sidewalk, a tree and overturned several times at high speed, sustaining significant damage.
No other vehicles were involved and Woods’ injuries, which include a broken ankle and a compound fracture, are not life threatening.
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Woods’ car was badly damaged
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The golfer was heading to a Los Angeles course.
Fire crews had to drag Woods out of the vehicle with an ax, as previous statements saying they used the ‘jaws of life’ were later corrected by officials.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told a news conference that “officers at the time did not see any evidence of impairment” after arriving at the scene of the accident at 7.18am.
The interior of his Genesis GV80 “gave him the cushion to survive what would otherwise have been a fatal accident,” according to Villanueva.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Daryl Osby revealed that Woods was conscious and in stable condition, but with serious injuries to both legs.
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Your Genesis GV80 was flipped over multiple times
Carlos Gonzalez, the Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy who first arrived at the scene, also said he was “fortunate that Woods got out of this alive.”
He revealed that Woods was unable to stand alone, but was ‘clear-headed and calm’ when help arrived.
The 45-year-old man was immediately taken by ambulance to a local hospital for ankle surgery.
His agent Mark Steinberg said: “Tiger Woods was in a car accident this morning in California, where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we appreciate his privacy and support. “
Woods won the Masters in 2019 to claim his 15th major title
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It is one of the most famous sports names on the planet.
A 15-time major award winner, Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time and one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport.
Getty
Tiger Woods’ most recent appearance was at the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie.
Woods ruled the golf world for more than a decade between the late 1990s and early 2010s, before public scandal and physical problems saw him struggle for many years.
He is the youngest player to complete the Major League Grand Slam of his career and is famous for doing the ‘Tiger Slam’ in 2000 and 2001, winning all four Major Leagues in a row.
His most recent triumph at the 2019 Masters came after years of serious back injuries and spinal fusion surgery, raising new hopes that he could chase Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships.
The American was injured after back surgery in December, and was hoping to return for this year’s Masters in April.
Big wins for Tiger Woods
Masters: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019
PGA Championship: 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007
US Open: 2000, 2002, 2008
The Open Championship: 2000, 2005, 2006
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Woods has been golf’s biggest star for over 20 years
Woods’ last appearance on the field was alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in late 2020.
He hosted the Genesis Open in Riviera last weekend, presenting the trophy to Max Homa and commenting alongside Jim Nantz on Sunday.
The golf world has been reacting to the news, offering prayers and best wishes for Woods as he undergoes surgery.
World No. 3 Justin Thomas, who has become close friends with Woods and his family, was excited to react to the news.
“My stomach hurts,” Thomas said, speaking at a press conference ahead of the WGC-Workday Championship.
“You know, it hurts to see one of your… now one of my closest friends have an accident.
“Man, I just hope he’s okay. Just worry about their kids, you know. I’m sure they are fighting. “
British golfer Ian Poulter, former England international Gary Lineker and Tottenham striker Gareth Bale were also among the supporters on social media.
Former United States alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, Woods’ ex-girlfriend, also tweeted: “Praying for TW right now.”
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