Golf star hospitalised after falling down elevator shaft at DP World Tour event

Two-time DP World Tour winner Andrea Pavan has suffered a serious off-course injury ahead of this week’s Investec South African Open.

Pavan was badly injured after reportedly falling multiple floors down an elevator shaft in South Africa

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According to a Tour spokesman, the Italian has now withdrawn from the tournament due to the injury.

Pavan’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening with his recovery time unconfirmed.

Location of incident confirmed

talkSPORT understands Pavan was not staying in official DP World Tour accommodation with the incident occurring at his own private quarters for the week.

The 36-year-old withdrew from the event on Wednesday with Richie Ramsay taking his place at the tournament in Stellenbosch.

The DP World Tour confirmed that there were no further details surrounding his withdrawal due to medical confidentiality.

Pavan will now miss the opportunity to compete at an event that has plenty riding on it.

The winner of this week’s event receives an invitation into The Masters in April with the top non-exempt finishers earning spots into the Open Championship in July at Royal Birkdale.

Pavan has been victorious twice on the DP World Tour, his last win coming in 2019.

Ranked No.249 in the World Golf rankings, he has registered two top-15 finishes so far in 2026.

Eyes on the prize

Meanwhile, in-form Patrick Reed has his sights set on winning his first event in South Africa.

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Reed defected to LIV Golf in 2022 but recently admitted that he could return to the PGA Tour when his contract expires in 2026.

The American is already a Major champion while boasting wins at the World Golf Championships, Rolex Series and FedEx Cup Play-Offs.

Ahead of this week’s event, Reed said: “It’s been amazing. First time in South Africa and it’s been nothing but a pleasure,” he said.

“Knowing the tradition and history of the golf tournament, I have talked to a lot of the boys from South Africa and it’s exciting to come over and play with those guys.​

“It’s one of those events because of the history where you’d love to have a chance late Sunday to hoist the trophy, especially with as many winners and legends that have been on that trophy throughout the years. It’d be amazing to be a part of.”​

The World No.18 is the top ranked player in Stellenbosch after enjoying wins in Dubai and Qatar in 2026.

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However, the 35-year-old is expecting a tougher test over the coming days with the event having been won by South African players in each of the last seven years.

“I’m a competitor,” said Reed. “I love to compete and play against the guys so I can’t wait for that gun to go off tomorrow and start getting in the trenches with these guys.

“The golf course is a really good course. It’s demanding off the tee. It’s very narrow, it’s one of those golf courses that’s not particularly long but you just have to play from the short grass.

“You have got to hit good quality tee shots, put yourself in play so you can attack this place. If you’re not playing from the fairway, it’s going to be a struggle.

“It’s one of those places that gets your full attention from start to finish. I like that about a golf course.”