Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is in hospital after a freak accident ahead of the SA Open in Stellenbosch
Image: AFP
“The most important thing is that Andrea is fine — he can talk, he can walk and do many things. It was shocking for us as players. I can’t imagine how it must have been for him.”
That was the immediate reaction of Italian golfer Francesco Laporta on the condition of his countryman Andrea Pavan, who injured himself after falling down a lift shaft ahead of the South African Open in Stellenbosch.
Pavan has been in the hospital with severe injuries to his back and shoulder. The incident occurred at a private accommodation in Stellenbosch, and according to Laporta, he is recovering, which is good news.
According to reports, Pavan fell multiple floors after the lift did not arrive at his floor when he stepped in.
Laporta took the lead at the 115th SA Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club in the afternoon, carding an eight-under 64 to top the field at -10 after two rounds. He was closely followed by Englishman Nathan Kimsey (-9) and South African Dean Burmester (-8).
After his round, the Italian went to visit Pavan in the hospital.
“It was a very bad accident,” Laporta said.
“However, we are very happy that he is okay. I am going to see him this afternoon and tomorrow (Saturday). I also visited him yesterday. We are doing everything we can to provide him with all the support he needs. A few guys were staying with him, but we are more focused on him than on the accommodation.
“We hope everything goes well, and we are looking forward to seeing him back on the course again. It is tough to explain, but everyone is relieved about his condition.”
Laporta added that Pavan is a strong-willed person and that he will bounce back.
Kimsey said they heard about the incident on Wednesday morning and it came as a shock to the golfers. He added that they had little details initially about the incident, and it was a nervy time as they tried to establish what had happened.
“He is stable and doing okay in hospital as far as I know,” Kimsey said.
“I am glad he has kind of come out of it okay and hopefully he can get back to fitness soon.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the 36-year-old Italian with his medical bills. Scotland’s Richie Ramsay replaced Pavan ahead of the first round.