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Young golf star faces long recovery from eye injury

3 minute read

Rising Australian golfer Jeffrey Guan is facing a "long and challenging journey" after he was hit by a golf ball and suffered a career-threatening eye injury.

Jeffrey Guan's golfing future remains uncertain as the young professional starts a slow recovery from his serious eye injury.

The 20-year-old has been released from the Sydney Eye Hospital after receiving treatment after he was hit by a golf ball during a tournament last month.

Golf Australia (GA), Golf NSW, and the PGA of Australia released a joint statement, painting a concerning picture on the rising star's prognosis.

"(We) remain mindful of the community's ongoing concern for Jeffrey Guan following his recent on-course accident," the statement read.

"Jeffrey has now been discharged from the Sydney Eye Hospital.

"While he is no longer under constant medical supervision, there is still no clear timeline for his recovery, and the long-term prognosis remains uncertain at this stage.

"Jeff's recovery is only just beginning, and it is expected to be a long and challenging journey."

The organisations said they planned to maintain close contact with Guan's family and ensure he receives the "best possible medical care".

Guan was hit just below his eye by a playing partner's errant shot in a pro-am event, held prior to a NSW Open regional qualifier tournament on the NSW far south coast.

Treated by paramedics at the scene, he was airlifted to a Canberra hospital where he underwent surgery before being relocated to a Sydney specialist.

The injury occurred just a week after Guan was invited to make his US PGA debut at the Procore Championship at Silverado Resort in the Napa Valley, where he narrowly missed the cut.

After playing in the Asia Pacific Men's Amateur at Royal Melbourne Golf Club last October, Guan announced he would turn professional.

He tied for 18th in the 2023 Australian PGA and in a share of 21st at the Australian Open, and was expected to play in both this year.