Andrea Pavan released from hospital but facing another five weeks in South Africa after elevator accident

The Italian, who suffered back and shoulder injuries in the freak accident before he was due to play in last week’s Investec South African Open Championship in Stellenbosch, issued an update on his recovery in a post on Instagram.

It read: "Today was a big day. I got discharged from the hospital to continue my rehab at an accommodation nearby kindly set up by the Rupert family.

“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.

‘People have made this incredible recovery a possibility’

“I would like to thank all the Mediclinic staff, all the surgeons, nurses and everyone who has made this incredible recovery a possibility.

“Thank you to DP World Tour & Sunshine Tour in particular Mateo, Ben, Joel and all the people who helped me along this last week.

“The DP World Tour players and caddies who came to visit me in ICU while playing the SA Open - it truly felt like a big family!”

Pavan admitted he felt “thankful to be alive” as the horrific accident came to light last week.

“Thank you to all the friends, family, sponsors and people who reached out with messages and prayers and stepped in to help in all kinds of different ways,” he added in his post.

‘The recovery road is very long’

“I am sorry I could not get back to all of you yet, but my heart is overwhelmed with love and joy. God has answered many prayers, it truly feels like His hand is on my recovery.

“The road is very long but this small step feels very good! I will need to stay in South Africa another five weeks and rehab both shoulder and back, and heal other bruises and secondary injuries and once back home continue the rehab journey."