The Masters is April 8-11, and when asked if he would be there during the PNC telecast on CBS, Woods replied, "God, I hope so."

"Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously await more news," former baseball star Alex Rodriguez said on Twitter.

"I am sick to my stomach," fellow PGA Tour golfer Justin Thomas said during a news conference in which he called Woods one of his closest friends. "I just hope he's all right."

Woods' former girlfriend, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, tweeted. "Praying for TW."

Former US president Donald Trump issued a statement urging Woods to get well soon, adding: "You are a true champion!"

Woods held the top spot in professional golf's world rankings for a record 683 weeks, winning 14 major championships between 1997 and 2008. After a series of injuries and personal issues disrupted his playing at times, Woods claimed his 15th major title at the Masters in 2019, his fifth time earning the Masters green jacket. His 15 Grand Slam titles are second to the 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus.

"Barbara and I just heard about Tiger's accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned," Nicklaus tweeted. "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."

Eldrick "Tiger" Woods was born in California and played collegiately at Stanford University. He turned professional in 1996 and won his first US Tour title in his fifth start.

Agencies contributed to this story.