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Golfer Greg Norman ‘damaged’ hand in chainsaw accident

Posted at 12:01 PM, Sep 14, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-14 12:01:50-04

(CNN) – Famed golfer Greg Norman says he is lucky to still have his left hand after a chainsaw accident.

The Australian, who won two majors and 20 U.S. PGA Tour titles,posted a photo late Saturday on his Instagram account showing him lying in a hospital bed.

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

Later he posted another photo with his left forearm in a medical protective device.

“Thank u all for your concern & good wishes. All well the morning after the accident. Here I am at the scene of the crime … w/my new fashion statement!” wrote Norman, who lives in Jupiter Island, Florida.

Norman, popularly known as the “Great White Shark,” didn’t give further details on his injuries.

Golf Digest reported online that he underwent surgery to repair nerve damage, citing the president of Great White Shark Enterprises, Bart Collins.

Last weekend, Norman had posted a picture of himself holding a chainsaw next to a tree with several branches already severed.

“Time to trim the sea grapes today,” the caption on that photo said. “Never ask someone to do something that you can do yourself. Love to work!”

As news of his injury spread Sunday, people flocked to his Instagram and Twitter feeds to express concern and wish him a speedy recovery.

Norman, 59, was one of the dominant golfers in the 1980s and 1990s, spending a total of 331 weeks at the top of the world rankings and winning two British Open Championships. He now has his own clothing brand, real estate business and golf course design company.