Town's support to injured Tiger Woods

US legend Woods, 45, rated by many to be the finest golfer ever, had to be “extricated from the wreck” by firefighters and paramedics.

Woods was “fortunate to be alive” said a deputy from the LA County Sheriff's Department, who arrived first on the scene of the accident at 7.18am local time on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes.

People associated with the sport from the world over were quick to offer their support to a legend of the game, including the St Andrews-based R&A and the town itself.

A brief R&A statement said: “Our thoughts are with Tiger and his family at this time.

“We wish him all the very best for his recovery.”

In St Andrews, a massive piece of sand art was created on the beach in front of the Old Course.

The image went viral online in the days after his accident.

Woods’ car reportedly hit a kerb, a tree and rolled over several times.

He suffered "open fractures affecting the tibia and fibula bones" in his lower right leg "stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia".

Injuries to his foot and ankle have been stabilised with screws and pins and he is expected to make a full recovery.

The 15-time major winner, who had been recovering from his fifth back operation, had spoken about wanting to play April’s US Masters ahead of the accident.