Andrea Pavan got into an unfortunate accident ahead of the Investec South African Open Championship, leaving him unable to compete. But he’s likely on the positive trend of recovery. 

On 25 February 2026, the 36-year-old pressed the button to call the elevator to retrieve something that he had forgotten at his private accommodation near the Stellenbosch Golf Club. However, when the doors to the elevator opened, there was no car inside. And in case you’re wondering, he was not on his phone while stepping into the empty elevator shaft. 

Unknowingly, he stepped in and tumbled three stories down and was trapped on the bottom floor before help arrived. Pavan fractured a few vertebrae with significant damage to his shoulders, too. He was under the knife for about six hours. But thankfully, the injuries aren’t life-threatening. 

However, Andrea Pavan will require further care and procedures to completely recover. He’ll likely stay in South Africa for a few weeks before traveling back to the USA.

His former collegiate coach, J.T. Higgins, revealed that Pavan was in “good spirits.”

To help the Italian golfer, his former teammate, Matt van Zandt, set up a GoFundMe page to tend to the medical bills. After all, extended hospitalization, international medical care, and prolonged recovery will likely put the family under financial strain. As of now, $52,170 out of the targeted $100,000 has been raised. 

After two days of hospitalization, Pavan released a statement through the DP World Tour. 

Andrea Pavan Releases a Statement Updating on His Condition

The golfer acknowledged the good care he received from the Mediclinic hospital staff. He gave a shoutout to the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour, and the staff at Stellenbosch for all the support. Additionally, he thanked Johann Rupert and his wife, Gaynor, for their help. 

“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,” he said. 

Right now, Pavan’s wife, Audra, and his sister are en route to be with the Italian star. But fans who can’t be with him can certainly hope for his quick recovery. 

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das