Golfing great Tiger Woods has been involved in a serious car accident in California.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's department has confirmed that Woods' vehicle rolled and sustained "major damage" at approximately 4am on Wednesday (NZ time).
He was then pulled from the vehicle with the 'jaws of life' and transported to a local hospital, where he immediately went into surgery. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
His injuries have been reported as "non life-threatening", after initially being described as "moderate to critical".
Woods' agent Mark Steinberg has released a statement:
"Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California, where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery, and we thank you for your privacy and support."
A medical expert has told CNN that the wide range in severity suggests surgeons are monitoring Woods for any neurological issues.
Video images show Woods' black sport utility vehicle resting on its side some 30 feet off the roadway, its front end badly damaged and surrounded by debris.
The 45-year-old had hosted the annual Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club over the weekend. He did not compete in the tournament, citing ongoing issues with his surgically repaired back.
"On February 23, 2021, at approximately 7:12am, LASD responded to a single vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes," officials say.
"The vehicle was traveling northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard, at Blackhorse Road, when it crashed. The vehicle sustained major damage.
"The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA golfer, Eldrick 'Tiger' Woods," officials confirmed.
"Mr Woods was extricated from the wreck with the 'jaws of life' by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries."
Wednesday's incident is Woods' second high-profile car accident. In 2009, he was involved in an crash outside his home in Florida, where he was arrested by police, after being found passed out at the wheel of his vehicle.
He later blamed prescription medication, claiming he didn't realise the effects they would have on him.
With 15 Major championship wins to his name, the American is widely considered the greatest golfer ever and is one of the most iconic figures in all of sport.
His return from years of debilitating injuries, surgeries and personal issues to win the 2019 US Open is one of sport's most storied and famous comebacks.
Woods had been working his way back to fitness with an aim to return to the US Masters at Augusta in April.
He has two children - a son and a daughter - with ex-wife Elin Nordgren.
