PGA Tour star recalls traumatic golf incident after losing sight in one eye

Australian golfer Jeffrey Guan has made a resolute pledge to make a comeback to golf despite a harrowing incident that left him blind in his left eye.
The 20-year-old prodigy was hit by a stray ball at a pro-am event, a mere week after his debut on the PGA Tour. Following the accident in New South Wales, Guan underwent emergency surgery and subsequently spent a fortnight in intensive care, which included a transfer to Sydney for additional surgery.
Guan, who previously clinched the title of Australian junior amateur champion, sustained a severe fracture to his left cheekbone and eye socket during the NSW Open regional qualifying pro-am last month.
Recounting the traumatic experience, Guan described the moment of impact as he was putting away his club after a shot: “The instant ringing and pain rushed to my head, and I dropped to the ground,” he said. He endured his initial surgery the same night, grappling with excruciating pain and overwhelming anxiety about his career prospects.
He continued, “A day later, I was transferred to the Sydney Eye Hospital to undergo another surgery, more tests and further treatment. The best eye specialists and nurses were arranged for my immediate appointment.
“After the second surgery, I spent the next two weeks in intensive care. This stay was critical to make sure my eyeball was stable.
“My eye pressure was way too high to be in any state of ordinary, and I had lost vision completely in my left eye. I couldn’t do much; sleeping was difficult, let alone walking or eating. Any activity that required energy meant I was in excruciating pain.”
Guan’s doctors had warned him not to entertain thoughts of returning to the golf course for at least half a year. “During my nights in hospital, I almost drowned in thoughts about the injury and my future in the sport,” he recounted.
“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.”
Despite the setback, Guan remains determined to press on with his golfing career post-recovery. “As a kid, I have always had a lot of perseverance and persistence,” he acknowledged.
“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 mentally tougher and prepared to face any challenges ahead. I will be back,” he affirmed