Tiger Woods is undergoing surgery after sustaining “multiple leg injuries” in a car accident in Los Angeles.
The 15-time golf champion, 45 times, had to be removed from under the rubble by firefighters and paramedics.
Later, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Woods was “alive and conscious” at the scene.
Villanueva also said, “There is no evidence of weakness.”
The American was evacuated by ambulance to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in West Carson, California.
Woods agent Mark Steinberg confirmed he was undergoing surgery on Tuesday and detailed his injuries.
Woods was at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles at the weekend as host for the Genesis Invitational Championship.
A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department statement said it had responded to the crash “at the borders of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes” Tuesday morning local time.
At a later press conference, Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Daryl Ospy said Woods had been removed from the 2021 luxury SUV Genesis GV80 with the help of a Halligan strip and an ax.
He added, “I understand that they are serious injuries in both legs. There were no other life-threatening injuries to my knowledge.”
Villanueva said Woods’ car “crossed the central barrier to the point where it settled several hundred meters away” and “indicates that it was traveling at a relatively faster speed than normal.”
“However, because it has slopes, slopes and curves, this area has many accidents, which is common,” he added.
He said the car hit a tree and rolled over several times.
“We have contacted his manager and they don’t want me to say anything about his condition. All we know is that it is a serious condition as a result of the accident,” he added.
“The front end is completely destroyed and the bumpers – everything is ruined. Airbags have been deployed.”
“ Luckily the interior was fairly intact, which kind of gave him a cushion to survive what would have been a fatal accident.
Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, of the Los Angeles County Police Department, was the first to arrive on the scene and said Woods “was unable to stand under his authority” before being removed from the car.
He said Woods was wearing a seat belt and was “still calm and clear” when telling him his name.
“Fortunately Mister Woods got out of this alive,” he added.
World number 3 Justin Thomas is one of Woods’ best friends on the tour and has expressed concern for his fellow countryman.
Thomas said, “I am sick with my stomach.” “You know, it hurts to see someone … your closest friend in an accident.
“Oh man, I just hope he’s well. Just worry about his kids, you know. I’m sure they are struggling.”
A statement issued by PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said: “We await more information when he comes out of surgery.
“On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and he will have our full support as he recovers.”
Woods was involved in a car accident in November 2009 which ultimately led to his admission of infidelity and the breakdown of his marriage. He then took a break from golf but returned shortly thereafter.
After five wins in 2013, Woods started only 24 events in the next four years due to chronic back pain and multiple surgeries.
In 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol when he was found sleeping at the wheel of his car. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
He had five prescription drugs in his regimen as he recovered from spinal fusion surgery that eventually gave him a second career in golf.
Woods ended an 11-year waiting period for a major title when he won the Masters in Augusta in 2019.
He holds the record for most PGA Tour wins at 82 with Sam Snead and is three behind Jack Nicklaus by 18 major titles.
Woods said recently that he had hoped To play in this year’s Masters in April after that Fifth back surgery In January.
It finished the year 2019 at sixth place in the world golf rankings but is now 50th.
BBC Golf correspondent Ian Carter told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Tiger Woods has lived this extraordinary life that has seen tremendous heights on the golf course but some extraordinary dips in his personal life.
“This is a very dangerous situation for his career now.
He appeared on US television on Sunday. Lots of observers were concerned about how hesitant he was about the nature of progress that was being made in terms of his recovery and whether or not he would be a fit for a Masters.
“All ideas related to that are now completely out of the window and no longer a priority.”
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