'Grazie mille everyone' - Andrea Pavan issues statement after freak elevator accident

The Italian player is recovering in hospital after falling three floors when he stepped into the lift in South Africa when the doors opened but the elevator car wasn’t there.

According to his former college coach in the US, Pavan said he felt “thankful to be alive” after suffering serious injuries.

A statement was issued on behalf of Pavan by the DP World Tour on Friday afternoon. It read: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours. 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, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch.”

Referring to the South African businessman and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship supremo, Pavan added: “I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.

“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.”

The statement came after Francesco Laporta had spoken about his compatriot following a second-round 64 to lead at the halfway stage on ten under in the Investec South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club.

“Yeah, it’s been a tricky few days,” admitted Laporta. “Luckily, he is fine, so we are all happy about that. That is the most important thing. He can talk, he can walk, he can do many things.

“It was a very bad accident. It was shocking for everyone. I can’t even imagine how it was for him. But we are very happy that he is okay. I am going to see him this afternoon and tomorrow, having also went yesterday. We are trying to offer him all the support we can.”

The accident happened in the two-time DP World Tour winner’s private accommodation for the event and not in official accommodation for the tournament.

“Yeah, there were a few guys,” replied Laporta to being asked if anyone else was staying in the same place. “But we are really focusing on him more than the place.

“We are just hoping that everything is going well and just looking forward to seeing him on the course again. Sometimes it is tough to explain but everyone is happy about his condition.”

Asked if felt Pavan could make a full recovery, he added: “He will be back, for sure. He is a strong guy. We just need to wait for him.”

Calum Hill, who defends his Joburg Open title next week, sits seven shots off the lead in joint-19th in Stellenbosch, where Ewen Ferguson and Scott Jamieson also made the cut on level par and one over respectively.