Golfer Andrea Pavan out of hospital after elevator fall

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has been released from the hospital after suffering injuries when he fell three stories 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 last week before the incident occurred on Feb 25.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday announcing his departure, Pavan said he would need to remain in South Africa for five more weeks to rehab the shoulder and back injuries he sustained. He said he also has secondary injuries and bruises, and he was photographed with his right arm in a sling and using a cane.

"It truly feels like a miracle to be able to walk and start to do some basic activities, although at a very slow and careful pace," he wrote, also thanking numerous people for their assistance and care since the accident.

"The road is very long but this small step feels very good!"

Pavan apparently was unaware that an elevator cab was missing when he stepped forward after the doors opened.

Born in Rome, Pavan makes his home in the Dallas area. He played collegiately at Texas A&M.

Ranked 257th in the world, Pavan won the 2018 D+D Real Czech Masters and the 2019 BMW International Open.

--Field Level Media