The following are written posts or interview extracts from Woods’ friends and colleagues as news and photos took over social media on Wednesday.

Retired American golfer Jack Nicklaus, widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time, shared a message alongside his wife for the man who has – at the very least – reached his tier in the sport.

“Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned. 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,” he tweeted.

Retired boxing great Mike Tyson urged Woods to apply his notorious champion mentality as he continues to recover in hospital from emergency surgery.

“Fight @tigerwoods like the champion you are for your kids and the world. Love and prayers,” tweeted ‘Iron’.

Former world number one and fellow PGA Tour player Justin Thomas, who considers Woods “one of my closest friends” was visibly upset when sharing his thought after a round of golf.

“I’m sick to my stomach. It hurts to see one of your closest friends get in an accident. I just hope he’s alright. I’m just worried for his kids. I’m sure they’re struggling,” he said.

Thomas later tweeted, “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!!!” with a tiger emoji.

Women’s tennis star Serena Williams, who Woods called one of his closest friends last year, said:

“Love you big brother... but We will get through this @TigerWoods”

Golden State Warriors point-guard Stephen Curry, who is an avid golfer and has brushed shoulders with Woods on several occasions on the course, told reporters after an NBA game:

“It’s very unfortunate. In this day and age, when you get a text and hear about Tiger your mind obviously goes to a dark place. Thankfully he didn’t have any life-threatening injuries but it’s sad and unfortunate knowing what he’s been through these last couple of years. I don’t know too many details but thankfully he’s OK from what I hear. Wish him a speedy recovery. I’m a huge golf fan, been watching him play and being on tour competing, but at this point it’s not about golf, but the quality of life and being with his kids. Hopefully he makes a speedy recovery because he has a lot of life to live.”

Long-time friend, competitor and golfing great, Phil Mickelson, wished Woods and his family a “speedy recovery”.

“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,” ‘Lefty’ tweeted.

Former US president Barack Obama called Woods the sport’s ‘GOAT’ [greatest of all time] and hoped he could return to his family as soon as possible.

“Sending my prayers to @TigerWoods and his family tonight — here’s to a speedy recovery for the GOAT of golf. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s to never count Tiger out,” Obama tweeted.

Former world champion alpine skiier Lindsey Vonn, a former partner of Woods, said: “Praying for TW right now.”

Former US president Donald Trump, who presented Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the country’s highest civilian award – last year, sent his message via senior advisor Jason Miller, who wrote: “Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion!”

Retired five-time NBA champion Earvin “Magic” Johnson urged fans to pray together for a fellow US athletic icon.

“Everyone send your prayers out to Tiger Woods! He was just in a bad car accident. Let us all pray for his speedy recovery,” he tweeted alongside a praying emoji.

Five-time PGA Tour winner Bryson DeChambeau said he was “heartbroken” after hearing the news of Wood’s injuries.

“Heartbroken and shocked to hear about @TigerWoods accident today. My thoughts and prayers are with him for a full recovery,” he tweeted.

NFL star Julian Edelman confidently predicted that Woods would make another comeback similar to that of 2019, where he stunned the world by winning a Masters after years out of the game.

“Thinking of @TigerWoods this afternoon ... prayers this is just the beginning of another major comeback,” the New England Patriots wide receiver said.

Former MLB shortstop and three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez said he was praying for his “brother” Woods as the sports community awaited updates on his status.

“Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously await more news. Thinking of him and his entire family,” he said.

Another notable golf fanatic, footballer Gareth Bale on loan to Tottenham Hotspur from Real Madrid, said:

“Sending my thoughts and prayers to @TigerWoods. Get well soon champ.”