Australian golf prodigy Jeff Guan suffers horror eye injury on course

A 20-year-old Aussie golf prodigy with an enormous future has been airlifted to hospital after suffering a freak injury on the course.

One of Australia’s most promising young golfers was airlifted to hospital after suffering a horrific injury on the course in Batemans Bay in NSW.

Jeff Guan, who had a sensational junior career and turned professional late last year, was struck in the eye from an errant shot when competing in a NSW Open regional qualifier at Catalina Club on the NSW south coast on Friday.

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The 20-year-old Sydneysider reportedly suffered multiple fractures and is at risk of permanent damage to his eyesight in the freak accident.

On Saturday, the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia released a joint statement detailing the awful situation.

“NSW professional Jeffrey Guan has been transported to hospital in Canberra after being struck by a golf ball during a pro-am event at Club Catalina yesterday,” it read.

Jeff Guan at last year’s Australian PGA alongside Aussie star Min Woo Lee. Photo: Instagram

“Jeff was hit just below his eye and received treatment on course before being transferred to Moruya Hospital for scans.

“He was then airlifted to Canberra to be assessed by an eye specialist.

“The PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and Golf Australia wish to thank everyone who assisted Jeff following the incident and wish him all the best with his recovery.

“We would ask people to respect the family’s privacy at this time and we will endeavour to provide updates on his condition in due course.”

Guan had just enjoyed one of the best experiences of his young golfing career, competing on the PGA Tour’s Procore Championship in California on a sponsor invitation.

He shot rounds of 69 and 75 to finish even-par and miss the cut by three strokes, finishing ahead of established pros such as Wyndham Clark, Harris English (both two-over) and former Masters champion Danny Willett (one-over).

Guan’s longtime coach Paul Davis told Australian Golf Digest he was waiting for further news after the youngster had undergone surgery.

“Obviously there are fears he may lose some vision, but we won’t know the full extent until he goes to Sydney for further assessment,” Davis said.

Jeff Guan is one of Australia's brightest prospects.

“It’s truly awful … this was actually the first pro-am Jeff has ever played in.

“It’s just the worst possible news after such an amazing week in California.”

A two-time national junior champion, Guan is credited with winning his club championship at Bexley Golf Club as a 12-year-old and last year claimed the Cameron Smith scholarship award.

He also finished tied-21st at last year’s Australian Open on six-under par, one shot behind Smith.

Originally published as Australian golf prodigy Jeff Guan suffers horror eye injury on course