An SUV driven by Tiger Woods crashed and rolled over Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, leaving the golf superstar with multiple leg injuries, authorities and his agent said.
Woods was undergoing surgery on Tuesday afternoon after the single-car crash, his agent said.
His injuries are not life-threatening, according to Lt. Michael White of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Woods, who was the only person in the SUV, 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,” the sheriff’s department said in a tweet.
A lieutenant in the sheriff’s department later said in a televised interview that there was no indication that the jaws of life were used.
Deputies arrived at the crash scene on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes at about 7:12 a.m. PT, the department said.
The vehicle “sustained major damage,” authorities said.
The sheriff’s department has scheduled a 6 p.m. ET news conference on the crash.
L.A. County Sheriff’s officers investigate an accident involving golfer Tiger Woods along Hawthorne Blvd. in Ranch Paos Verdes, February 23, 2021.
Wally Skalij | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Woods, 45, was staying at the Rolling Hills resort after hosting The Genesis Invitational tournament last week, and he was filming as part of a deal he has with Golf Digest and Discovery Channel.
His agent Mark Steinberg said in a statement, “Tiger Woods 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,” Steinberg said.
Last month, Woods revealed he had “recently” undergone a fifth microdisectomy surgery on his back, to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was causing him pain during the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, in December.
“I look forward to begin training and am focused on getting back out on Tour,” Woods said in a statement in January.
Woods last competed at the PNC Championship, which concluded Dec. 20. He played alongside his 11-year-old son, Charlie Woods, in the tournament. The duo finished seventh.
Tiger Woods looks on from the 18th hole during the final round of The Genesis Invitational golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA on February 21, 2021.
Brian Rothmuller | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images
The Jupiter, Florida, resident has won 82 PGA titles, tied with Sam Snead for the most ever. He has won 15 major championships, including the Masters Tournament five times.
PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement, “We have been made aware of Tiger Woods’ car accident today. We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery.”
“On behalf of the PGA TOUR and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers,” Monahan said.
Sports apparel giant Nike, which sponsors Woods, said in a statement, “We are following the news around Tiger and our thoughts and heart are with him and his family at this time.”
Woods’ equipment and club sponsor, TaylorMade Gold, said, “We are shocked at the news of Tiger Woods’ accident earlier this morning and are sending our thoughts and prayers to him, his family and his team as they support him through his surgery and recovery.”
Woods’ stellar career was rocked in November 2009 when he crashed an SUV early one morning into a fire hydrant just outside his then-residence in Windermere, Florida.
Woods was knocked unconscious in that crash for more than five minutes, and his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, reportedly used a golf club to smash a window in the vehicle and drag him from it.
On the heels of that mysterious crash, Woods was reported to have had numerous extramarital affairs. He entered a Mississippi clinic for treatment shortly afterward.
In May 2017, Woods was charged with driving under the influence in Florida after police discovered him asleep in a car that was damaged. He later apologized, telling several reporters in a statement that he took full responsibility for the arrest, which he blamed on “an unexpected reaction” to a mix of prescribed medications.
“I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved,” Woods said at that time.
“I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too,” Woods said. “I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.”
A month after that arrest, Woods entered a clinic for treatment related to issues with prescription pain medication and a sleep disorder.
Steinberg said at the time that Woods used pain medication to help him get up and move while recovering from four back operations.
Top-ranked golfer Justin Thomas choked up Tuesday when speaking about Woods at a press conference.
“I’m sick to my stomach. It hurts to see, now one of my closest friends get in an accident, and I just hope he’s alright,” Thomas told reporters. “I’m just worried for his kids. I’m sure they’re struggling.”
Woods was seen on social media on Monday on a golf course with former Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade.
Actor David Spade on Monday also tweeted a photo of himself with Woods on the course.
— CNBC’s Jessica Golden and Amanda Macias contributed to this report.
