Australian golf rising star Jeffrey Guan has spoken of his heartbreak after being blinded in one eye after a freak accident during a tournament last month.
The 20-year-old made his PGA Tour debut at the Procore Championship last month where he played in a field including the likes of Sahith Theegala, Matt Kuchar and Webb Simpson.
But his life changed the following week during a pro-am he was playing where he was struck by a stray golf ball in the face.
He had to be airlifted to hospital after the freak incident and suffered multiple fractures.
Jeffrey Guan was left blinded in his left eye
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Guan underwent two surgeries as doctors frantically tried to save his damaged eye but he revealed he ‘lost vision completely’ in his left eye.
Doctors have also told him due to the complex injuries to his face, Guan will not be able to swing a golf club for at least six months as he will require more surgery.
“I was utterly distraught… It has come at a tremendous cost and has significantly affected me and my family,” he said in a statement.
“How in the world am I supposed to recover, return, and be the same player I was?”
He added: “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.”
But Guan hasn’t given up hope of one day returning to the elite level of golf when he’s fully recovered.
He said: “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without all the encouragement and assistance I have received.
“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.
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Jeffrey Guan was playing in a pro-am when the incident happened
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“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.
“Again, I can’t thank everyone enough who reached out to help rebuild my strength physically and emotionally.
“I will be back.”