Andrea Pavan has expressed optimism about making a playing return to the DP World Tour as he continues his recovery from a harrowing fall down a lift shaft. The Italian golfer suffered severe shoulder damage and multiple fractures to his back vertebrae after the incident at his private accommodation ahead of the South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club.
Details of the Incident
The 37-year-old, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, underwent surgery at a local hospital following the three-storey fall. He has since been recuperating at his home in Texas and is hopeful of returning to professional golf. Reflecting on the accident, Pavan recounted: "I walked back towards the elevator, I opened the door - one of those doors that get into the apartment straight away - and by the time I realised the lift wasn't there I'd already taken a step. The next thing I know I'm just at the bottom of the elevator, luckily not unconscious but in a lot of pain and screaming for help."
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Pavan detailed his recovery timeline, stating: "It's hard to say a precise goal, there's more like steps. Around three months we'll see how well the bone has healed. Around six months it's about where complete bone healing happens and we'll see how the joint is moving by then." He acknowledged potential complications, including the need for a second surgery if other tissues were damaged, and the risk of necrosis due to insufficient blood flow to the bones. However, he noted that progress has been positive so far.
He added: "The shoulder is a very demanding joint. Hopefully it's a little less than a year that I can play with a full swing but it's just so new and such a big injury there just a lot of unknowns. But I'm hopeful and the only thing I can do is to try and improve and take it day by day."
Career Highlights
Pavan's last victory came at the 2019 BMW International Open, where he defeated Matt Fitzpatrick in a play-off. His determination to return to the tour underscores his resilience as he faces a lengthy rehabilitation process.
