Jack Nicklaus and Other Golf Stars React to Tiger Woods Car Crash

The world of golf rallied around Tiger Woods after the 15-time major winner suffered multiple injuries in a horrific car crash on Tuesday.

The 45-year-old was involved in a one-vehicle smash about 30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, close to the border between Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palo Verdes.

A statement released on Tuesday night by his TGR foundation said Woods was "awake and responsive" while Dr. Anish Mahajan of Harbor UCLA Medical Center said the golf icon had suffered "multiple open fractures" to his lower right leg.

As news of the crash emerged, some of golf's biggest names wished Woods a speedy recovery.

"It hurts to see one of your—I mean, now one of my closest friends—get in an accident. I just hope he's all right," said Justin Thomas, choking back tears during a press conference.

Thomas, who won the 2017 PGA Championship and played under Woods at the 2019 Presidents Cup, also sent well wishes to his family.

"Sick to my stomach right now. Praying for @TigerWoods and hoping for an amazing recovery. Thinking about his entire family and team, as all of us are sending our best wishes. We know TW is a fighter. Get well soon Tiger," Thomas wrote on Twitter.

Woods' 15 major triumphs place him second to Jack Nicklaus in the all-time rankings. The Golden Bear, who won a record 18 majors, also shared his support for Woods.

"Barbara and I just heard about Tiger's accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned," he wrote on Twitter.

"We want to offer him our heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery."

Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson added: "We are all pulling for you, Tiger.

"We are so sorry that you and your family are going through this tough time. Everyone hopes and prays for your full and speedy recovery."

Ian Poulter, one of Woods' main Ryder Cup rivals, wrote: "Thoughts are with @TigerWoods and others involved, wishing a speedy recovery and I hope the injuries are not bad."

The PGA and European tours both sent messages. "We have been made aware of Tiger Woods' car accident today," the PGA said in a statement.

"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 European Tour said: "On behalf of everyone at the European Tour, our thoughts are with you, @TigerWoods. We all wish you well for your recovery."

Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National, where Woods won his 15th major at the 2019 Masters, said: "Tiger Woods is part of the Augusta National family, and the news of his accident is upsetting to all of us.

"We pray for him, for his full recovery and for his family during this difficult time."

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said officers arrived at the scene of Tuesday's crash at 7:18 a.m. PT, after a neighbor called 911. At a press conference, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Woods was conscious and spoke with officials.

Villanueva added that the SUV's airbags "gave him a cushion to survive the crash" and that authorities had yet to ascertain how fast Woods had been driving.

"I will say that it's very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive," added Deputy Carlos Gonzales.