Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has been discharged from hospital just days after a terrifying accident in South Africa. The 36-year-old fell three floors down an empty lift shaft in Stellenbosch while staying ahead of the South African Open, suffering severe shoulder damage and multiple vertebral fractures.

Pavan, a two-time DP World Tour winner, underwent emergency back and shoulder surgery before being deemed fit to leave hospital less than a week later. In an Instagram post, he described his release as 'a miracle,' thanking the Mediclinic staff, DP World Tour officials, and fellow players who visited him in ICU during the tournament.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by former teammate Matt van Zandt has raised over £61,000 to support Pavan's wife Audra and their three children with medical expenses. Despite leaving hospital, Pavan faces a five-week recovery period in South Africa before returning to the United States, calling his progress 'a small step' on a long road to full recovery.