Golfer who fell down elevator shaft underwent 'hours' of surgery after freak accident

Andrea Pavan was in South Africa for a golf tournament this week, but everything changed for him before he even got to the course.

The 36-year old sustained serious injuries at his hotel due to an elevator malfunction.

Pavan called for an elevator, according to Monday Q, but when the doors opened, the elevator hadn't risen to his floor.

The golfer didn't notice and stepped into the opening. He fell "multiple floors and was badly injured," wrote the report.

The report adds that Pavan needed ensuing surgery for "hours," although the "injuries don't seem to be life-threatening."

At this point, it's unclear what the next steps are for Pavan, but this is a harrowing accident.

Pavan is 36 years old and was born in Rome, Italy. He currently resides in Lucas, Texas, after winning a collegiate national championship playing at Texas A&M.

He was in South Africa to play in the DP World Tour event there. He has won twice on that tour, formerly known as the European Tour.

His wins came in 2018 at the D+D Real Czech Masters over Padraig Harrington, and the 2019 BMW International Open in a playoff over Matt Fitzpatrick.

Pavan has also played in a pair of U.S. Opens and once at The Open Championship, failing to make the cut at those tournaments.

Early in his career, Pavan was also the runner-up in the European Amateur.

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