After a life-altering injury at a pro-am tournament, 20-year-old Jeffrey Guan pledges a return to the elite level despite losing vision in one eye

Australian golfer Jeffrey Guan, a rising star in the sport, has lost sight in his left eye following a tragic accident at a pro-am tournament. The incident occurred shortly after his much-celebrated debut on the PGA Tour at California’s Procore Championship. Guan, who has been playing professionally for just a year, endured two major surgeries and weeks in intensive care, but he remains determined to continue his career, pledging, “I will be back.”

The accident, a freak occurrence that shocked the golfing community, took place at the Catalina Club in New South Wales during a routine round at a pro-am event. Guan had just taken his second shot on the third fairway when, as he turned to place his iron back in his bag, an errant ball struck him. “The instant ringing and pain rushed to my head, and I dropped to the ground,” he later recounted. The impact left Guan with severe damage to his left eye, leading to an emergency surgery and a transfer to Sydney for specialised care.

Doctors have since confirmed that Guan is unlikely to ever regain vision in the eye, delivering a shattering blow to the 20-year-old golfer’s dreams. In his first public statement since the accident, Guan opened up about the challenging weeks he has endured, noting that “very little good news” has come from the ordeal. Yet, he remains undeterred, telling fans he is prepared to conquer any future obstacles. “As a kid, I always had a lot of perseverance and persistence,” Guan wrote. “I will continue to work hard and do my best to achieve my dream.”

Guan’s resilience and optimism have earned admiration from around the globe. Known for his fierce determination, Guan has already etched his name in Australian golf history, winning the junior amateur title twice — a feat previously accomplished by major champions such as Adam Scott, Jason Day, and Cameron Smith. His recent achievements include a PGA Tour debut at the Procore Championship, where he competed alongside Ryder Cup players like Wyndham Clark and Max Homa, as well as England’s former Masters champion Danny Willett.

Despite the traumatic turn his career has taken, Guan remains committed to a future in golf. His recent signing with Sportfive, an agency that also represents former world number one Jon Rahm, underscored his readiness to take on global competitions. Though he now faces a new set of physical and mental challenges, Guan has expressed an unyielding desire to return to the elite level of the game. “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,” he said, echoing his unshakable resolve.

The news has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes. As Guan embarks on the road to recovery, his focus remains steadfast on his goal of making a comeback. For him, golf has always been more than just a sport — it’s a lifelong pursuit shaped by perseverance and ambition. In his own words, “I will be back,” stands as both a personal commitment and an inspiring message to anyone facing life’s hardest challenges