ROME 29 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Italian golfer Andrea Pavan remains hopeful of returning to competitive golf within the next year as he continues recovering from serious injuries sustained in a shocking elevator shaft accident earlier this year.
The 37-year-old, a two-time DP World Tour winner, suffered multiple injuries after falling three storeys down an open elevator shaft at accommodation near Stellenbosch Golf Club in South Africa in February. Reports stated that the elevator doors opened despite the lift carriage not being present inside the shaft.
Pavan underwent surgery following the incident after sustaining fractures to his back and severe damage to his shoulder. He is currently recovering at his home in Texas while undergoing extensive rehabilitation and medical monitoring.
Speaking about his recovery progress, Pavan acknowledged that his shoulder injury remains the biggest challenge due to the complexity of the joint and the possibility of additional complications. Doctors are expected to evaluate the healing process over the coming months before determining whether further surgery may be necessary.
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term condition, the Italian golfer said he remains optimistic and is focused on gradual improvement each day. He added that his goal is to regain enough strength and mobility to make a full golf swing within a year if rehabilitation continues positively.
The accident shocked the golfing community, with fellow players, officials and supporters from around the world sending messages of encouragement throughout his recovery journey. Pavan previously described being able to walk again after the incident as feeling “like a miracle.”- The Capital Post
