“I will say that it’s very fortunate that Mr Woods was able to come out of this alive,” said deputy Carlos Gonzalez, the first officer to arrive on scene.

Woods’ team released a statement on social media on Wednesday updating fans with comments from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center’s chief medical officer, Anish Mahajan:

“Mr Woods suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center. Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia. Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stablilised with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft-tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure to do swelling.”

The team added that he was “awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room”, asking for “well-wishes and privacy for him and his family”.

Gonzalez found Woods trapped in his vehicle but conscious, appearing “calm and lucid” and able to identify himself to the deputy as “Tiger”.

“It is my understanding that he had serious injuries to both legs,” said Los Angeles County fire chief Daryl Osby, describing Woods’ condition as “stable”.

Firefighters and paramedics extricated Woods from the wreckage of his SUV and transported him with a neck collar and backboard to a hospital where he underwent surgery. He was in a 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV going north on Hawthorne Boulevard before crashing at 7am LA time, according to authorities.

There was “no evidence of impairment at this time”, including any influence of narcotics, medication or alcohol, said Villanueva, adding that the crash remained “subject to investigation”.

He added that no blood was drawn at the scene of the crash because the sheriff’s office does not have that capability.

02:26

Golf legend Tiger Woods suffers severe leg injuries after rollover car crash in California

Golf legend Tiger Woods suffers severe leg injuries after rollover car crash in California

Woods, one of the most successful golfers of all time with 15 major championships, recently underwent his fifth back surgery and said he was uncertain if he will be able to play at the upcoming Masters, which he last won in 2019.

Woods was in the area for his annual Genesis Invitational tournament at the Riviera Country Club, and was driving a courtesy car.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said earlier: “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.”

The crash occurred near the hilly Palos Verdes peninsula, at the bottom of a steep stretch of road which has runaway truck ramps for vehicles that lose control going downhill.

The section has become notorious for fatal accidents over the years.

“Apparently the first contact was with the centre median, and from there [the car] crossed into the opposing lane of traffic, hit the curb, hit a tree, and there was several rollovers during that process,” said Villanueva, who did not provide a cause of the crash.

The car ended up several hundred feet from the initial impact, lying on its side on a patch of grass some distance off the road, with its hood badly damaged.

News of the crash spread rapidly around the sport world and beyond, with figures inside and outside golfing swift to send their prayers and best wishes to Woods.

Additional reporting by Associated Press