“Golfer in critical condition after dramatic fall into elevator shaft.”

A tragic accident has shaken the golf world this week, as Italian golfer Andrea Pavan suffered serious injuries after falling down an elevator shaft in Cape Town. The incident, which occurred just days before the start of the South African Open, has left the sports community in shock.

Last Wednesday, Pavan, 36, was staying at a private accommodation in Stellenbosch when he decided to call the elevator. Unfortunately, upon opening the doors, he did not realize that the cabin was not present and fell from a height of two to three stories. Local sources revealed that the athlete sustained severe injuries, primarily to his back and shoulder, although he is not in life-threatening condition. The news, which initially circulated on social media platform X via the Monday Q Info profile, was later confirmed by The Athletic.

A spokesperson for the DP World Tour, in official statements, confirmed that Pavan has withdrawn from the tournament at Stellenbosch Golf Club due to his injuries, although they did not provide many details about the severity of the accident.

To assist Pavan in his recovery, a GoFundMe page has been created that quickly raised over €23,000. According to information from the campaign, the golfer suffered “significant injuries to his shoulder and back, including severe shoulder damage and fractures in several vertebrae.” The situation is critical, as Pavan has already undergone at least one surgery and will require extensive medical care, in addition to other procedures. He is estimated to remain in South Africa for several weeks before being evaluated for the trip back to the United States.

Currently, Andrea Pavan is ranked 249th in the world golf rankings, but at this moment, his priority is recovery and health. The golf community and his fans are mourning this tragic accident, but they are also coming together to support the athlete, his wife, and their three children during this difficult time.