Washington (AFP) - The golf world was praying for Tiger Woods on Tuesday after the 15-time major champion was undergoing surgery following a solo car crash near Los Angeles.
"Heartbroken and shocked to hear about @TigerWoods accident today," tweeted reigning US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. "My thoughts and prayers are with him for a full recovery."
Third-ranked Justin Thomas was stunned to learn of serious injuries to Woods, the 45-year-old US star whose 82 career US PGA titles is level with Sam Snead for the all-time record.
"I hope Tiger is all right," third-ranked Justin Thomas said. "Yeah, I'm sick to my stomach.
"You know, it hurts to see one of your -- now one of my closest friends get in an accident. Man, I just hope he's all right. Just worry for his kids, you know. I'm sure they're struggling."
Woods played in an event with his son Charlie in December just before undergoing his fifth back surgery, a microdiscectomy he hoped would heal him in time to play at the Masters in April.
"We have been made aware of Tiger Woods' car accident today," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said.
"We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery. On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers."
Woods, whose most recent victory at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan, overcame back surgery to win the 2019 Masters and complete an epic comeback when he feared back pain might deprive him of a normal life.
"@tigerwoods, just seen the awful news. We know how tough you are, we've seen it a hundred times," England's Justin Rose tweeted. "Hoping and praying you’re ok my friend."
"Thoughts are with @TigerWoods and others involved, wishing a speedy recovery and I hope the injuries are not bad," England's Ian Poulter tweeted.
Taiwan's C.T. Pan simply tweeted three "hands in prayer" emojis and a link to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department news release telling about Woods being injured in the crash.
"Prayers up for @TigerWoods," tweeted Harris English.
PGA Tour player Will Wilcox simply tweeted: "TIGER!!!!! NOOOOOOOOO"
It wasn't only the golf world that was wishing the best for Woods.
Actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who had been at a golf event with Woods on Monday, tweeted: "Prayers up for the GOAT @TigerWoods who was in an accident this morning. Was just with him yesterday. Don't take not even a MOMENT for granted! I know you’re good because your Tiger within is a beast!!!"
