An Italian golfer who fell down a lift shaft has been discharged from hospital following shoulder and back surgery. Andrea Pavan had been involved in a freak accident when he was thought to have fallen two or three floors down the shaft while staying in private accommodation.

It’s said Pavan had been waiting for the lift to arrive when the doors opened, with the golfer having gone to step through it. The issue was that the car had not yet arrived, meaning he fell down the shaft before suffering significant injuries.

Pavan had been gearing up for the South African Open when the incident happened, with the DP World Tour star having gone under the knife as a result of the injuries he sustained. It’s suggested the operations went well and in his first public statement since the surgeries, Pavan revealed his rehabilitation programme is already underway.

He said: “Today was a big day, I got discharged from the hospital to continue my rehab at an accommodation nearby kindly set up by the Rupert family. It truly feels like a miracle to be able to walk and start to do some basic activities, although at a very slow and careful pace.

“I would like to thank all the Mediclinic staff, all the surgeons, nurses and everyone who has made this incredible recovery a possibility. Thank you to DP World Tour & Sunshine Tour in particular Mateo, Ben, Joel and all the people who helped me along this last week. The DP World Tour players and caddies who came to visit me in ICU while playing the SA Open – it truly felt like a big family!”

Pavan continued his statement, thanking those close to him who had offered their support throughout the ordeal. He added: “God has answered many prayers, it truly feels like His hand is on my recovery,’ he continued. “The road is very long but this small step feels very good!

Pavan continued his statement, thanking those close to him who had offered their support throughout the ordeal. He added: “God has answered many prayers, it truly feels like His hand is on my recovery,’ he continued. “The road is very long but this small step feels very good!

“I will need to stay in South Africa another 5 weeks and rehab both shoulder and back, and heal other bruises and secondary injuries and once back home continue the rehab journey.”

A GoFundMe page was set up by fellow golfer Matt van Zandt to help cover the expenses from the accident. It has raised over £60,000 since its launch.