Fifteen-time golf major champion Tiger Woods is in surgery after being taken to hospital following a car crash.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department saidexternal-link that it “responded to a single-vehicle rollover” accident in which the “vehicle sustained major damage”.
The 15-time golf major champion, 45, had to be “extricated from the wreck” by firefighters and paramedics.
Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg said: “He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”
Steinberg confirmed the detail about the American having sustained “multiple leg injuries”.
Woods was at the Riviera Country Club in LA at the weekend as host of the Genesis Invitational tournament.
A statement from the LA County Sheriff’s Department said it responded to the crash “on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes” on Tuesday morning local time.
It added: “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.”
The LA County Fire Department said:external-link“Units dispatched at 07:22 and found a single-vehicle rollover. One adult male was assisted out of the vehicle and transported to a local area hospital in serious condition.”
World number three Justin Thomas is one of Woods’ best friends on the tour and expressed concern for his compatriot.
“I’m sick to my stomach,” Thomas 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, you know. I’m sure they’re struggling.”
A statement from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: “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.”
Woods was involved in a car crash in November 2009 which eventually led to admissions of infidelity and the breakdown of his marriage. He then took a break from golf but returned shortly afterwards.
Following five wins in 2013, Woods started just 24 events in the next four years because of chronic back pain and multiple surgeries.
In 2017 Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he was found asleep at the wheel of his car. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
He had five prescription drugs in his system as he recovered from the spinal fusion surgery that ultimately gave him a second golfing career.
Woods ended an 11-year wait for a major title when he won the Masters at Augusta in 2019.
He jointly holds the record for most PGA Tour wins at 82 with Sam Snead and is three behind Jack Nicklaus’ mark of 18 major titles.
Woods recently said he had hoped to play in this year’s Masters in April after having a fifth back surgery in January.
He ended 2019 sixth in golf’s world rankings but is now 50th.
BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Tiger Woods has had this extraordinary life which has had such massive highs on the golf course but some extraordinary lows in his personal life.
“This is now a very serious situation for his career.
“He was on American television on Sunday. A lot of observers were concerned at how hesitant he was about the nature of the progress that was being made in terms of his recovery and whether or not he would be fit for the Masters.
“All thoughts of that now go completely out of the window and are no longer a priority.”
