'Hard to explain': Tiger Woods speaks for first time since car crash

Tiger Woods has expressed his gratitude after a touching gesture from his colleagues following a horror car crash that put him in hospital.

Several golf stars - including Australia's Jason Day - took to the course at the World Golf Championship event in Florida on Sunday emulating the wardrobe of Woods.

'FELL ASLEEP': Explosive new theory about Tiger Woods crash

'CRUSHING NEWS': Fears for Tiger Woods after latest update

Wearing a red shirt and black pants, the players honoured the golf great by wearing his signature outfit that he dons on the final day of tournaments.

Australia's former world No.1 Day was among those wearing the colours at The Concession Golf Club.

Other high-profile players to do the same were Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Tony Finau and Patrick Reed.

"Obviously just paying respect to Tiger," Day said when asked about the gesture.

"Obviously we hope for the best in wishing him a very quick recovery, just to know that we're thinking about him."

Woods, who had previously said he was in "good spirits" after being moved to another hospital in Los Angeles for treatment from multiple injuries sustained in the accident, said his fellow competitors and fans were aiding in his recovery.

"It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts," Woods tweeted.

"To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time."

Golf world pays incredible gesture to Tiger Woods

The gesture extended to the Puerto Rico Open, where the grounds crew also wore Woods' red and black colours.

World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam, who is playing her first LPGA Tour tournament in 13 years at the Gainbridge LPGA in Orlando, did likewise.

And Phil Mickelson, Woods' longtime rival, donned the colours at the PGA Champions Tour event, the Cologuard Classic, in Tucson, Arizona.

The 45-year-old Woods has 82 career PGA victories, including 15 majors.

His accident shook many of his fellow players, who sent their well wishes.

"At this stage, everyone should just be grateful that he's here, he's alive and his kids haven't lost their dad," McIlroy said.

"Golf is so far out of the equation right now."

Woods is being treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after Tuesday's crash left him with a fractured right leg and shattered ankle.

The severity of the injuries, coupled with the fact that he was already sidelined following a fifth back operation, leaves the prospects of the 15-time major winner being able to return to action hanging in the balance.

Woods survived "what would otherwise have been a fatal crash" because the interior of his vehicle remained largely intact, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

Friday's tweet said Woods and his family "want to thank you all for the wonderful support and messages they have received over the past few days".

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.