'Sick' golf star's heartbreaking Tiger reaction

The sports world has turned out in support for Tiger Woods following news of the Golf icon's car crash in California this morning.

Firefighters and paramedics had to use the 'jaws of life' to free the golf legend from his vehicle, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department statement said.

The 45-year-old was rushed to hospital by ambulance with serious but non-life threatening injuries, predominantly to his legs.

There has been an outpouring of support across the sports world for Woods following the accident, with figures from around the globe sending their best to the beloved golf icon.

A PGA Tour friend of Woods, fellow major winner Justin Thomas, spoke in a virtual press conference after the accident and was visibly shaken.

"It hurts to see one of your closest friends get in accident and man, I just hope he's all right," Thomas said. "I just worry for his kids, I'm sure they're struggling."

Thomas later wrote on Twitter: "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."

However, some social media users took aim at the PGA Tour for allowing Thomas to front the media so soon after first receiving the news of Woods' accident.

Australia's former US Masters winner Adam Scott said that Woods' crash was another bleak reminder that ill-fortune could strike anyone.

"It's sickening," said Scott, per PGA Tour media. "He's our hero out here. You think guys like Tiger and Kobe Bryant are untouchable, but they're not. I just hope he's all right."

US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau wrote on Twitter: "Heartbroken and shocked to hear about @TigerWoods accident today. My thoughts and prayers are with him for a full recovery."

The 2013 US Open champion, Justin Rose, tweeted: "We know how tough you are, we've seen it a hundred times. Hoping and praying you're ok my friend."

The PGA Tour released a statement saying: "On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers."

A preview of part two of HBO documentary Tiger

Twitter was also awash with icons of other sports who offered their well wishes to Woods.

"Fight @tigerwoods like the champion you are for your kids and the world. Love and prayers," boxing legend Mike Tyson wrote on Twitter.

NBA great Magic Johnson wrote: "Everyone send your prayers out to Tiger Woods! He was just in a bad car accident. Let us all pray for his speedy recovery."

Woods, 45, hosted the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational over the weekend. He was then participating in a Golf Digest/GOLFTV content shoot.

Earlier on the day of the accident, Woods was seen on social media with NBA legend Dwyane Wade at Rolling Hills Country Club. He reportedly accompanied Wade on course but did not hit any balls, barring putts, due to his back problem.