Golfer Pavan undergoes surgery after freak lift fall

The freak accident occurred on Wednesday when Pavan reportedly tumbled down multiple floors after the lift door at his private accommodation opened but the car itself wasn't there.

The 36-year-old Pavan, a two-time winner on the European Tour, was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries, including fractures to several vertebrae and severe shoulder damage.

"I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital," Pavan said in a statement issued by the European Tour on Friday.

"I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me."

Pavan thanked fans for their kind messages and said the care and support he has received in hospital had been "incredible".

"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," he said.

Pavan is expected to remain in South African for "many weeks" before he can return home to the United States, according to a former team-mate, Matt van Zandt, who has set up a fundraiser to help with medical bills.