Greg Norman expects to make full recovery after chainsaw accident

Greg Norman expects to make a "full, speedy recovery" after almost losing his hand in a chainsaw accident at the weekend.

The two-time major winner was fortunate to sustain only "minor nerve damage" to his left arm in the unfortunate incident at his Jupiter Island home in Florida.

The 59-year-old underwent surgery in a nearby hospital, and medical specialists have given him a positive prognosis.

A statement on Norman's website, www.shark.com, read: "Norman elected to undergo surgery while in the hospital to repair some minor nerve damage. According to the specialists who tended to Norman, he will not sustain any long-term, permanent damage to his left arm.

"Following the surgery, Norman returned home to rest and recover. Both Norman and the doctors expect him to have a full, speedy recovery and to be able to return back to playing golf and attacking life shortly."

Norman said: "Thank you to everyone for their concern and well wishes. I look forward to getting back out there to attack that tree like I planned on doing (on Saturday). No tree is going to keep me down."

The statement went on to give details of the incident, adding: "Norman was spending the afternoon cleaning up some trees in his backyard on Jupiter Island, Florida when a large branch unexpectedly started to come down on him.

"Attempting to catch the branch, Norman dropped the chainsaw. The weight of the branch brought Norman's arm down upon the saw that was thankfully slowing."

The Australian posted a picture of himself on social media from his hospital bed following surgery, and he admitted he was lucky to still have his left hand intact.

"Working with a chainsaw ALWAYS be respectful of the unexpected," he wrote. "I was one lucky man today. Damaged, but not down & out. Still have left hand."

Norman spent a total of 331 weeks at the top of the world rankings at the height of his career, winning the Open Championship in 1986 and 1993, although he is mostly remembered for his runner-up finishes in no fewer than seven other majors.