- Jeff Guan released from hospital after freak accident
- Had only just made his debut on the star-studded PGA Tour
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 thrown doubt on his chances of making a full recovery.
Jeff Guan, who made his debut on the star-studded PGA Tour in September, had to be airlifted to hospital after being hit in the face by the errant golf ball on a NSW south coast course last week.
The 20-year-old suffered severe injuries when the ball, fired by one of his Pro-Am partners, struck him just under the eye while playing at Club Catalina in Batemans Bay during 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 he was airlifted to Canberra and underwent surgery on one eye.
Golf Australia, Golf NSW, and the PGA of Australia released a statement about the youngster’s condition on Wednesday, indicating Guan has a long journey ahead of him.
‘(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.
Guan was hit in the face by a ball during a freak accident at Club Catalina in Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast
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 maintain close daily contact with Jeffrey’s family, offering support as they navigate the challenges ahead.
‘We are dedicated to ensuring that Jeffrey receives the best possible medical care and that his family is assisted in every way during this difficult time.
‘Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their ongoing 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 at the PGA Tour in the Procore Championship in California.
He was invited through a sponsor invitation and had previously been a top-25 finisher in both the Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open last year.
The golfing young gun is ranked number 989 in the world and already considered by many to be one of the country’s most promising players.
The 20-year-old (pictured with a female friend) suffered career-threatening injuries when the stray ball, fired by one of his Pro-Am partners, struck him under 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 at the famous TPC Sawgrass layout.
He had told the Sydney Morning Herald at the time that representing his country was a ‘privilege’.
‘To represent your country is a privilege and to play in a high-level event, it gives you more experience to go towards the target you want to reach, which is to play professionally,’ he said.
‘That’s a really big stepping stone where I can learn from players all around the world, as well as the pros we get to watch.’