Italian golfer falls three floors in South Africa and undergoes major surgery
Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is “thankful to be alive” after reportedly falling three floors down a lift shaft in a shocking accident in South Africa.
The 36-year-old, a two-time European Tour winner, had been scheduled to compete in this week’s South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club. However, he was forced to withdraw following the terrifying incident on Wednesday.
According to reports, the accident occurred at his private accommodation when the lift doors opened, but the lift car was not present. Unaware of the danger, Pavan stepped forward and plunged down the shaft, sustaining multiple serious injuries.
Italian media reports state that he underwent a six-hour operation to treat several vertebral fractures and to implant a plate in his shoulder. Despite the severity of the fall, he is said to be in a serious but not life-threatening condition.
“By all accounts, he’s in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids,” Pavan’s former college coach JT Higgins told Golf Channel, offering reassurance to fans across the golfing world.
Currently ranked No. 249 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Pavan is best known for his dramatic victory at the 2019 BMW International Open, where he defeated England’s Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff. That same year, he climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 65 and established himself as one of Italy’s leading golfers. He also qualified for last year’s US Open, though he did not make the halfway cut.
The DP World Tour has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but fellow professionals have reportedly expressed shock and concern. The South African Open is one of the tour’s most prestigious early-season events, making Pavan’s sudden withdrawal all the more startling for players and fans alike.
Serious lift shaft accidents are rare but often catastrophic, and questions are likely to be raised about safety measures at the property where the incident occurred. Authorities in South Africa have not publicly commented on whether an investigation has been launched into how the lift doors were able to open without the car in position.
For now, the focus remains firmly on Pavan’s recovery. Spinal fractures can require extensive rehabilitation, and medical experts note that recovery timelines vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries and surgical outcomes. Given the physical demands of professional golf, particularly the rotational stress placed on the spine, his return to competitive action may take considerable time.
However, those close to the Italian star say his positive mindset could play a crucial role in his rehabilitation. Known on tour for his resilience and calm temperament under pressure, Pavan now faces perhaps the toughest challenge of his career, one far removed from fairways and leaderboards.
As the golfing community rallies behind him, the overriding sentiment is relief. What could have been a fatal accident has instead become a story of survival and, potentially, a long road back.