Tiger Woods (Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP/ file photo)
LOS ANGELES – Golf superstar Tiger Woods has been transferred to a Los Angeles medical facility for further treatment, according to a statement Thursday from the hospital where he underwent surgery for serious leg injuries after his car crash.
“Mr. Tiger Woods was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for continuing orthopedic care and recovery,” said Anish Mahajan, CEO of the hospital where Woods was first taken.
“On behalf of our staff, it was an honor to provide orthopedic trauma care to one of our generation’s greatest athletes.”
Woods was driving alone Tuesday morning in a Los Angeles suburb on a road notorious for accidents when his SUV hit the center median, crossed into the opposing lane, struck a tree and then rolled over several times.
Media reporters gather by the main entrance of the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California on February 24, 2021, where US Golf star Tiger Woods is hospitalized after a roll-over car crash in Palos Verdes, California. – US golf legend Tiger Woods was recovering in hospital on February 24 after surgery for serious leg injuries sustained in a car crash that have raised fears for the 45-year-old’s career. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP)
The 15-time major champion underwent surgery to repair “significant orthopedic injuries” to his lower right leg and ankle.
This included the insertion of a rod into Woods’s shin bone and the use of “a combination of screws and pins” to stabilize his foot and ankle.
“To respect patient confidentiality, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center will not provide any further information,” added Mahajan.
Woods’ latest injuries have cast doubt on the golfing legend’s ability to compete at the top level again.
The crash comes just two months after the Woods underwent his fifth back operation.
The first officer to arrive at the scene of the crash said it was “very fortunate” that Woods even came out of it alive.
He was found conscious, appearing “calm and lucid” and able to identify himself as “Tiger,” Deputy Carlos Gonzalez said Tuesday.
Woods was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
The most Woods could face would be a low-level offense known as an infraction if investigators conclude that he was speeding or not paying attention.