Golfer Andrea Pavan Falls Down Elevator Shaft, Hospitalized for Injuries Before South African Open

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan was a late scratch for the South African Open as a result of injuries he sustained while falling down an elevator shaft.

A spokesperson for the DP World Tour confirmed Pavan's withdrawal but declined to specify the nature of his injuries to The Athletic's Caoimhe O'Neill.

According to O'Neill, Pavan was waiting for an elevator at his private accommodations in Cape Town for the tournament. He walked through the doors without realizing there was no elevator car on his floor.

Golf Channel's Brentley Romine reported the 36-year-old "underwent extensive surgeries" at a local hospital to address injuries to his shoulder and back.

Texas A&M golf coach J.T. Higgins told Romine the Aggies alumnus is "in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids."

Pavan most recently competed in the Qatar Masters, failing to make the cut. He has two career wins on the DP World Tour, and he sits 249th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The South African Open teed off Thursday at Stellenbosch Golf Club.