Andrea Pavan after fall down elevator: 'I am in very good hands'

Field Level Media|published: Fri 27th February, 11:48 2026

Jun 10, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Andrea Pavan laughs after attempting to hit out of the rough on the eighth hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is recovering from surgery after falling down an elevator shaft prior to a DP World Tour event in Cape Town, South Africa.

Pavan, 36, was slated to play the South African Open this week before the incident occurred.

He apparently was unaware that an elevator cab was missing and stepped forward after the doors opened. He fell three stories and sustained shoulder and back injuries, per Golf Channel.

"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 in a statement released via the DP World Tour. "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, Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch.

"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."

Ranked 249th in the world, Pavan won the 2018 D+D Real Czech Masters and the 2019 BMW International Open. He played collegiately at Texas A&M.

--Field Level Media

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