Fifteen-time Major winner Tiger Woods has been taken to hospital after being involved in a serious car crash in California.

The 45-year-old was removed from the wreck by Los Angeles County firefighters, who had to use the "jaws of life" after his vehicle rolled over shortly after 7am on Tuesday morning.

A police statement read: "On February 23, 2021, at approximately 7:12 AM, LASD responded to a single vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Ranchos Palos Verdes.

"The vehicle was traveling northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard, at Blackhorse Road, when it crashed. The vehicle sustained major damage.

"The driver and sole occupant was identified as PGA golfer, Eldrick 'Tiger' Woods. Mr. Woods was extricated from the wreck with the 'jaws of life' by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries."

According to CNN, Woods's injuries are being described as "moderate to critical", while TMZ claims that sources have confirmed that alcohol is not thought to be a contributing factor to the crash.

In a brief statement, Woods's agent Mark Steinberg said: "Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support."

Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Woods holds numerous records in the sport, including joint-record holder for PGA Tour wins, the youngest player to complete a Grand Slam and the only player to win all four Majors in a row.

The father-of-two was arrested in 2017 after being found passed out in his car, later claiming that he had taken new prescription medicine that had caused unforeseen side effects.

Woods is being treated at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center, around 17 miles south of Los Angeles.