Italian golfer Andrea Pavan said he is optimistic about returning to golf after falling three storeys down an open lift shaft near Stellenbosch Golf Club in February 2026. [1] The accident occurred at Pavan’s private accommodation before the South African Open. He had opened the lift doors, unaware there was no elevator car behind them. "I walked back towards the elevator, I opened the door... and by the time I realised the lift wasn’t there I’d already taken a step," Pavan recalled. "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." [1] He managed to call his caddie with his phone while waiting for emergency responders.

Pavan, 36, was taken to a local hospital in South Africa with severe shoulder damage and fractures to several vertebrae. He underwent major surgery to treat his injuries. After spending seven days in hospital, he returned to his home in Texas. [1] Pavan is a two-time DP World Tour winner.

He described the recovery as uncertain but remains hopeful. "It’s hard to say a precise goal, there’s more like steps," he said. "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 added there was some risk of necrosis due to blood flow issues but said, "so far it seems like things are positive enough." [1]

Pavan acknowledged the shoulder is a demanding joint for golf. "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 are 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," he said. [1]

Pavan had been preparing to drive to the Stellenbosch course for breakfast and a pro-am tee when he went back to retrieve a locker key, leading to the accident. [1]

Medical evaluations on his healing and mobility are expected as he approaches the three- and six-month marks following the injury. [1]