Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has been discharged from hospital after the DP Tour star suffered a ‘freak’ accident falling down a lift shaft at private accommodation ahead of the South African Open last week. 

Pavan is thought to have fallen two or three floors down the shaft after lift doors opened and he stepped into it before the car had arrived. 

The 36-year-old sustained multiple injuries in the horror accident, and had shoulder and back surgery in the aftermath. 

But as Pavan shared in his public statement, his recovery continues at pace. 

‘Today was a big day,’ he shared on social media. ‘I got discharged from the hospital to continue my rehab at an accommodation nearby kindly set up by the Rupert family. 

‘It truly feels like a miracle to be able to walk and start to do some basic activities, although at a very slow and careful pace. 

Andrea Pavan has shared a statement after leaving hospital days after suffering a freak accident which saw him fall down a lift shaft

The DP Tour star revealed that he thought it was a miracle that he can still walk after the horror accident in South Africa

‘I would like to thank all the Mediclinic staff, all the surgeons, nurses and everyone who has made this incredible recovery a possibility. 

‘Thank you to DP World Tour & Sunshine Tour in particular Mateo, Ben, Joel and all the people who helped me along this last week. The DP World Tour players and caddies who came to visit me in ICU while playing the SA Open – it truly felt like a big family!’

Pavan went on to thank friends, family, sponsors and others who had reached out during his time in hospital, sharing that his heart is ‘overwhelmed with love and joy’. 

‘God has answered many prayers, it truly feels like His hand is on my recovery,’ he continued. ‘The road is very long but this small step feels very good! 

‘I will need to stay in South Africa another 5 weeks and rehab both shoulder and back, and heal other bruises and secondary injuries and once back home continue the rehab journey.’ 

Pavan has been supported in hospital in South Africa by his wife and his sister Martina (left)

Pavan’s Texas A&M team-mate Matt van Zandt has set up a GoFundMe page to help the expenses facing the Italian and his family, and said that he expects the golfer ‘to remain in South Africa for many weeks before he can be safely evaluated for travel back to the U.S.’

The fundraiser has since raised over $81,000 since its launch six days ago.