Shocking health update for Aussie golf star Jeff Guan who could lose his eyesight after a freak accident on the course

One of the country’s most promising young athletes has been released from hospital after suffering life-changing injuries in a freak accident, but a shocking update has cast doubt on his chances of a full recovery.

Jeff Guan, who made his debut on the star-studded PGA Tour in September, had to be taken to hospital after being hit in the face by the errant golf ball on a course on the NSW south coast last week.

The 20-year-old suffered serious injuries when the ball fired by one of his Pro-Am partners hit him just below the eye while playing at Club Catalina in Batemans Bay in a NSW Open regional qualifying event.

Paramedics treated Guan at the scene and then transferred him to Moruya District Hospital where he underwent scans before being flown to Canberra and undergoing surgery on one eye.

Golf Australia, Golf NSW and the PGA of Australia released a statement on the youngster’s condition on Wednesday, indicating Guan has a long journey ahead of him.

“(We) remain aware of the community’s ongoing concerns regarding Jeffrey Guan following his recent on-course accident,” the statement said.

‘Jeffrey has now been discharged from Sydney Eye Hospital. Although he is no longer under continuous medical supervision, there is still no clear timetable for his recovery, and the long-term prognosis remains uncertain at this stage.

“Jeff’s recovery is just beginning and it is expected to be a long and challenging journey.

Guan has been released from hospital, but his future in the sport remains uncertain

“The three organisations, Golf Australia, Golf NSW and the PGA of Australia, continue to liaise closely with Jeffrey’s family on a daily basis and provide support as they deal with the challenges ahead.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure that Jeffrey receives the best possible medical care and that his family is assisted in every way possible during this difficult time.

“We thank everyone again for their continued messages of kindness and support and will continue to provide updates on Jeffrey’s progress as appropriate.”

Guan has been a fixture in the sport since his debut on the PGA Tour at the Procore Championship in California.

He was invited via a sponsor invitation and had previously been a top-25 finisher in both the Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open last year.

The young golfer is ranked 989 in the world and is already considered by many to be one of the country’s most promising players.

The 20-year-old (pictured with a girlfriend) suffered career-threatening injuries when the stray ball, fired by one of his Pro-Am partners, hit him below the eye

Guan turned professional in 2023 and was previously the only Australian to represent the international team in the 2022 Junior Presidents Cup.

While there, he won the amateur version of The Players Championship on the famous TPC Sawgrass layout.

He had told the Sydney Morning Herald at the time that representing his country was a “privilege”.

“It is a privilege to represent your country and to play in a high-level event, it gives you more experience to move towards the goal you want to achieve, which is to play professionally,” he said.

‘That’s really a big stepping stone where I can learn from players all over the world, but also from the pros we get to see.’