Andrea Pavan: Italian golfer makes "miracle" claim after hospital discharge

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan says it feels like "a miracle to be able to walk" following his release from hospital. 

The 36-year-old suffered severe injuries after he fell down an open lift shaft at his private accomodation last week ahead of the Investec South African Open Championship. 

Pavan was on his way to Stellenbosch Golf Club when he realised he had forgotten something from his room. 

When he returned to the elevator, the lift cart had been called to another floor but the doors remained open and Pavan didn't realise, according to MondayQInfo, who broke the story.

The golfer fell three floors and was rushed to hospital with significant injuries to his shoulder and fractures to several vertebrae. 

Pavan released a statement last Friday thanking people for the overwhelming support he had received, including visits from several DP World Tour golfers and caddies. 

A GoFundMe organised by his college teammate has raised more than $80,000 to help pay for medical bills and rehabilitation.

Pavan has now released a statement confirming he has been discharged from hospital and will continue his rehab nearby at accomodation set up by prominent businessman and golf fanatic Johann Rupert.

He said it feels like "a miracle to be able to walk". 

His post also included pictures of him in hospital, sitting in a wheelchair, and standing up with his right arm in a sling as he held crutch in his left hand.

"Today was a big day," he wrote. 

"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. 

"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! 

"Thank you to all the friends, family, sponsors and people who reached out with messages and prayers and stepped in to help in all kinds of different ways."

Pavan added: "I am sorry I could not get back to all of you yet, but my heart is overwhelmed with love and joy. 

"God has answered many prayers, it truly feels like His hand is on my recovery. 

"The road is very long but this small step feels very good! 

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

Pavan is a two-time DP World Tour winner, claiming victory at the Czech Masters in 2018 and the BMW International Open in 2019.

He is 249th in the Official World Golf Ranking