DP World Tour star Andrea Pavan has undergone surgery on his shoulder and back after his freak fall down an elevator shaft. The Italian had been preparing himself for the South African Open when he suffered the horrific accident on Wednesday.

Pavan was staying at his own private accomodation near Stellenbosch Golf Club when the doors of the lift opened without the lift car. Unaware the car was not there, he stepped out and fell three stories, suffering severe shoulder damage and multiple fractures to several vertebrae. At first, the European tour only confirmed he had pulled out of the competition, citing “medical confidentiality”. However, news of what happened emerged after his former golf team-mate Matt van Zandt set up a fundraiser to help Pavan’s wife Audra and their three children cope with the sizeable medical costs.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Pavan released a statement to the golf world and his supporters. He wrote: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours.

“I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital. I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me.

“The care I have received so far from the mediclinic hospital staff has been incredible, as has the support from the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch. I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.

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“The last two days have been difficult. But I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me. Grazie Mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra and my entire family.”

On his GoFundMe page, Van Zandt said: “He has already undergone at least one major surgery and will need ongoing medical care and additional procedures. Doctors expect him to remain in South Africa for many weeks before he can be safely evaluated for travel back to the U.S.

“Andrea’s wife, Audra, is en route to be with him, and his sister is traveling from abroad as well. Several fellow players and friends have already visited Andrea in the hospital and say that he is in good spirits.”