FLORIDA, USA (Reuters) – Tiger Woods, the world’s best golfer and a leading force in sports marketing, was hurt in a car accident in Florida but was released from a hospital in good condition after treatment.

Woods, 33, who made a triumphant return to professional golf this year after missing much of last season following reconstructive knee surgery, was in a “minor” car crash, his office said.

The Orlando Sentinel newspaper had earlier reported that Woods was hospitalised in serious condition after his Cadillac Escalade hit a fire hydrant and a tree when he pulled out of the driveway at his home in Isleworth, Florida, near Orlando.

“He was admitted, treated and released today in good condition,” Woods’ office said in a statement.

Woods is perhaps the world’s richest athlete and the biggest draw on the US PGA tour as he chases Jack Nicklaus’ record for victories in major tournaments and the unofficial title of best golfer ever.

He has won 71 times on the US PGA tour, including 14 Majors, in his glittering career.

He returned to action in February this year after being sidelined for eight months due to the knee surgery, and finished on top of the FedEx Cup standings for the season.

The Sentinel said the accident happened at about 02:25 h as Woods pulled his car out of his driveway. The newspaper said the airbags in the vehicle did not deploy.

The FHP said the crash was under investigation and charges are pending, the newspaper reported.

“Basically it was facial lacerations, and as I’m understanding it, nothing that serious,” Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn told CNN. “He was taken to Health Central Hospital, where he was treated, and then I’ve been told he was released.”

Woods is the greatest golfer of his generation and arguably the best of all-time. He trails his childhood idol Jack Nicklaus by just four majors in all-time standings.

Forbes magazine said in September that Woods’ victory in the FedEx Cup, with its $10 million (£6.07m) prize, had made him the first billionaire athlete. He has lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Buick, Gillette and Gatorade.

Forbes said earlier this year that Woods was the highest earner in sports with $110 million (£66.78m) during the previous 12 months, two and a half times that of his nearest competitor.