Tiger Woods car crash: Golfer in surgery after being pulled from vehicle in Los Angeles

Tiger Woods has suffered serious injuries in a car crash and was pulled from the wreckage by firefighters in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.

Woods is in hospital undergoing surgery for multiple injuries after his vehicle rolled over and police said he was rescued with “the jaws of life”, a hydraulic tool employed by fire crews to recover victims from crash scenes.

Early reports suggested that the golfer has broken both legs and was in the operating theatre. Lt Michael White from the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department told local media that Woods' injuries were "non life-threatening".

The accident happened at 7.12am on Tuesday when rescue services were called Ranchos Palos Verdes, a district south of the Californian city. 

How the crash occurred is not yet known, but Woods, a father of two, was on his own. Overhead images showed the bonnet had caved in and that the airbag had been inflated.

Woods’s long-time agent, Mark Steinberg, said: "Tiger was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries.”

“He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support."

Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Medal of Freedom in 2019, said: “Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion!”

The news has shocked the sporting world and already led to fears that Woods the golfer may never again be seen on the fairways which he bestrode like no other. 

The LA County sheriff’s department added details of the incident. “The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA golfer, Eldrick 'Tiger' Woods,” it said in a statement.

“Mr Woods was extricated from the wreck with the ‘jaws of life’ by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries.”

Woods, who lives in Florida, has been in his hometown principally in his role as tournament host of the Genesis Open, which finished on Sunday. He has been out of action since undergoing a fifth back operation in December, but turned up at Riviera Country Club to support the PGA Tour event which benefits his charitable foundation.

Pictures were released on Monday of Woods at a sponsors event with basketball player Dwayne Wade and actor David Spade at Rolling Hills Country Club, a 20-minute drive from the crash site. He was meant to be there for a second day of the photoshoot, however, he did not make it that far.

Woods has won 15 major championships is one of the most successful golfers in history.

Word soon reached the World Golf Championship Workday Challenge near Tampa, in Florida, where the game’s top players are preparing for Thursday’s first round.

Justin Thomas, a neighbour and regular practice partner of Woods, was in tears.

“I'm sick to my stomach,” the world No 3 said. “You know, it hurts to see one of your closest friends get in an accident. Man, I just hope he's all right. Just worry for his kids [Charlie 13 and Sam, 11]. I'm sure they're struggling."

English golfer Ian Poulter said on Twitter: "Thoughts are with @TigerWoods and others involved, wishing a speedy recovery and I hope the injuries are not bad."

Woods’s turbulent narrative has an eerie connection with car crashes. In 2009, he was involved in a collision with a fire hydrant outside his Orlando home and from there the exposés poured forth of his multiple affairs. His marriage ended soon after and the scandal greatly damaged his reputation.

And in 2017, Woods was arrested in Florida when discovered slumped over the steering wheel in his car. A toxicology report found find five different pain-killing drugs in his system and he entered rehabilitation soon after.

On Sunday, Woods said he was unsure if he would recover from back surgery in time for the Masters in April, the major where he made his dramatic comeback two years ago. Viewers discussed on social media that Woods looked weary during the segment.