Tiger Woods survived "what would otherwise have been a fatal crash" because the interior of his vehicle remained largely intact, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Woods suffered multiple leg injuries and underwent surgery in a local trauma centre following the accident early on Tuesday morning.
The 15-time major winner was "conscious and able to communicate" with emergency personnel at the scene and was in a "stable condition with serious injuries" when he was taken to Harbor UCLA Medical Centre.
Woods's vehicle, a 2021 mid-size SUV bearing the logo of his Genesis Invitational tournament, travelled "several hundred feet from the centre divider" and sustained "major damage".
"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."
Former world number one Greg Norman wrote on Instagram: "He has mental strength stronger than most and has fought many battles and won many of them.
"His mental strength will win this battle. Prayers and thoughts to TigerWoods and his family."
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton also took to Instagram to write a message underneath an image of Woods' vehicle.
"So sad to hear this," Hamilton wrote. "Am thinking and praying for you @tigerwoods."
