Pavan thanks well-wishers after undergoing surgery following horror lift plunge

Italian tour star Andrea Pavan has sent a thank you message to fans after suffering serious injuries when he plunged two storeys down an empty lift shaft in South Africa.

The two-time DP World Tour winner (36) called the lift at his rental property on the eve of the Investec South African Open, opened the door, and returned to his room to retrieve something he’d forgotten.

While the door was not fully closed, the lift was called to another floor and Pavan inadvertently fell down the lift shaft on stepping back in on his return, suffering shoulder and back injuries that required surgery.

“I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours,” Pavan said on social media, 48 hours after being forced to withdraw from the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club.  

“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.  

“I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.

“The last two days have been difficult, but I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me.

“Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”