Andrea Pavan, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, has reportedly been badly injured in what's being described as a freak accident in South Africa.
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Dreadful news about Italian pro Andrea Pavan at this week’s tournament in Stellenbosch -
Andrea fell down several floors in a lift shaft when the doors opened and he stepped into space and has been seriously injured. pic.twitter.com/QqD83tgy8q
— TheGolfDivoTee™ (@TheGolfDivoTee) February 26, 2026
According to Monday Q Info, Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after doors opened on his floor — but the elevator car wasn't there. Multiple sources told the outlet he underwent surgery for hours. The early, encouraging update: the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Some horrible news from the DP event in South Africa.
Andrea Pavan, 2-time DP winner was badly injured in a freak accident at this week’s event.
According to multiple people Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened on the floor he was on but the car itself…
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) February 26, 2026
Golf Channel later reported the 36-year-old fell three stories and sustained shoulder and back injuries. The incident reportedly happened at his private accommodation while he was in town for the Investec South African Open Championship, which teed off Thursday. The DP World Tour confirmed he withdrew due to injury.
Pavan's former Texas A&M coach, J.T. Higgins, said the golfer is in good spirits and thankful to be alive, even FaceTiming with his kids while recovering.
Ranked 249th in the world, Pavan has made three starts this season, including the Qatar Masters. His career highlights include wins at the 2018 D+D Real Czech Masters and the 2019 BMW International Open.
"Pavan owns eight professional wins worldwide, including two on the DP World Tour," per Golf Channel. "His most recent on the European circuit was the 2019 BMW International Open. He played collegiately at Texas A&M, where he was on the 2009 NCAA Championship team. He's played in three majors, including last year's U.S. Open, where he missed the cut."
Right now, none of that matters.
He's alive. He's fighting. And by all accounts, he knows how fortunate he is.
