Young golfer Jeffrey Guan is in the hands of an eye surgeon in Sydney after being hit in the face by a golf ball, with the injury threatening his promising professional career.

Golf Australia magazine understands the ball was struck by his pro-am playing partner in the NSW Open regional qualifier at Catalina Golf & Country Club. 

A source at the club said the player was using a fairway wood about 30 metres behind where Guan stood. The shot was badly sliced and hit Guan just below his eye.

It is understood the golfer, a member of the club, has been offered counselling.

The 20-year-old Guan has already undergone one round of surgery in Canberra, where he was air-lifted after being struck by an errant shot during a pro-am event on the NSW far south coast.

Guan, from Sydney, then travelled from Canberra to seek specialist care at the Sydney Eye Hospital.

Golf Australia (GA) issued a statement saying the young gun had been hit just below his eye in the pro-am, played before a NSW Open regional qualifier tournament.

Guan was taken to a local hospital by paramedics, before being transferred by air to Canberra.

At the family’s request GA wasn’t releasing any further details of the prognosis or treatment.

The injury occurred just a week after Guan made his US PGA debut in California.

He played in the Procore Championship at Silverado Resort in the Napa Valley and posted a three-under 69 in his opening round but was even after the second round, which saw him miss the cut at three under.

After playing in the Asia Pacific Men’s Amateur at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in October, Guan announced he would turn professional.

He tied for 18th in the 2023 Australian PGA and in a share of 21st at the Australian Open, and was expected to again play in both this year.