Two-time European Tour winner Andrea Pavan suffered serious injuries after a fall down a lift shaft in South Africa, according to reports on February 26, 2026.
Pavan was in South Africa to compete in this week’s DP World Tour event, formerly known as the European Tour. Tournament organizers confirmed the Italian has withdrawn from the competition due to injury, citing “medical privacy” as the reason for not releasing further details.
Golf Channel reported that the 36-year-old called for the elevator at his accommodation and subsequently fell three stories, requiring hospitalization. The incident casts a shadow over the DP World Tour event, where Pavan was expected to be a strong contender.
Colleagues of Pavan have indicated he sustained injuries to his back and shoulder and underwent surgery Wednesday evening. Despite the severity of his injuries, Pavan is reportedly in good spirits.
“From what I’ve heard, he’s in good spirits, grateful to be alive and video-calling his children,” said Pavan’s former coach, J.T. Higgins.
