Jeff Guan has vowed to keep chasing his golfing dreams despite the sickening injury that has cost him vision in his left eye and derailed his promising career.
One of Australian golf’s brightest young talents, Guan suffered a serious fracture to his left cheekbone and eye socket after being struck by a ball at close range during a pro-am late last month, just a week after making his debut on the PGA Tour.
Guan was immediately rushed to Moruya Hospital and later airlifted to Canberra for emergency treatment. He underwent two surgeries in quick succession, with specialists at the Sydney Eye Hospital working tirelessly to save his damaged eye.
However, the injury is complex. Besides the complete and permanent loss of sight in his left eye, multiple fractures occurred around the lower eye socket, extending into the cheekbone and forehead. These will likely require further surgery.
The road to recovery will be long and uncertain, with an estimated six to 12 months of healing required. Doctors have told Guan he cannot even think about swinging a club for at least six months, although he has been able to practice putting.
The accident has left the Australian international reeling physically and emotionally, with his career ambitions now in serious jeopardy.
Jeff in action for Australia at the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships (Getty Images)
In a heartfelt statement, Guan said: “During my nights in hospital, I almost drowned in thoughts about the injury and my future in the sport.
“Not only was I utterly distraught by the news I had received, but the whole situation made me very depressed and somewhat angry.
“As you can imagine, this whole situation not only came at a tremendous cost but has also significantly affected me and my family emotionally and mentally.
“The thought of all my years of hard work and training, plus my family’s sacrifice, had just been thrown out the window. How in the world am I supposed to recover, return, and be the same player I was, or even better?
“I had no idea. I was devastated and felt so lost. It didn’t help that I was in constant pain, and the days spent in the hospital felt endless.”
Despite the uncertainty, Guan expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from family, friends and the wider golfing community since the incident.
“I wouldn’t be where I am right now without all the encouragement and assistance I have received,” he added. “As a kid, I have always had a lot of perseverance and persistence. I will continue to work hard and do my best to achieve my dream.
“These four weeks have been the toughest of my life, but I am stronger mentally and will be ready to conquer any obstacle in the future. I will be back.”
An Australian Sports Foundation fundraising page has been established to help Jeff. All donations to ASF projects are tax-deductible. You can support Jeff’s fundraiser here.
Amongst many achievements in the amateur game, Guan won the Terry Gale Cup for finishing as the low amateur at the 2022 WA Open at The Western Australian Golf Club.
Jeff Guan receives the Terry Gale Cup at the 2022 WA Open
