Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is expected to make a full recovery following his freak accident ahead of this week’s Investec South African Open in Stellenbosch
Pavan, 36, suffered shoulder and back injuries in fallling three floors down a liftwell when elevator doors opened and Pavan not realising quick enough there was no car present.
A statement was issued on behalf of Pavan by the DP World Tour on Friday afternoon.
It read: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours. I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital.
“I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me, but the care I have received so far from the Mediclinic hospital staff has been incredible, as has the support from the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch”.
GREAT NEWS ….
Injured Italian golfer Andrea Pavan speaks via @DPWorldTour statement.
Should make a full recovery after freak elevator shaft fall.
Read hereunder ….
Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is expected to make a full recovery following his freak accident on the eve of… pic.twitter.com/00pjl89dka
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) February 27, 2026
Pavan also singled out South African golf legend Johan Rupert, who organisers the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland: “I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.
”Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”
The statement came after Pavan’s fellow Italian golfer Francesco Laporta had spoken about his compatriot after he posted a second-round 64 to lead by a shot on 10-under at the halfway stage in the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour & DP World Tour tournament.
Laporta, and also looking for a maiden DP World Tour title, said; “Yeah, it’s been a tricky few days.
“Luckily, he is fine, so we are all happy about that. That is the most important thing. He can talk, he can walk, he can do many things.
“Yeah, it’s been a tricky few days.
“It was a very bad accident. It was shocking for everyone. I can’t even imagine how it was for him. But we are very happy that he is okay. I am going to see him this afternoon and tomorrow, having also went yesterday. We are trying to offer him all the support we can.”
Laporta added: “Yeah, there were a few guys staying in the same place as Andrea. But we are really focusing on him.
“We are just hoping that everything is going well and just looking forward to seeing him on the course again. Sometimes it is tough to explain but everyone is happy about his condition.
Asked if felt Pavan could make a full recovery, he added: “He will be back, for sure. He is a strong guy. We just need to wait for him”.
