Aussie prodigy suffers ‘truly awful’ injuries in freak accident

by Admin
September 21, 2024

One of Australia’s brightest golf prospects has suffered potentially career-ending injuries in a freak accident on the NSW south coast.

Only a week after he just missed the cut on his PGA Tour debut, Jeff Guan was struck in the face by an errant ball while playing in a pro-am at Club Catalina in Batemans Bay on Friday.

It’s believed the ball was struck by one of the 20-year-old’s playing partners. He was treated on-course and then flown to Canberra hospital, where he underwent surgery.

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“Just before 2pm we responded to reports a man in his 20s had been hit in the head with a golf ball,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Jeff Guan of Australia tees off at the third hole during the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships – Eisenhower Trophy at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Martin Dokoupil/Getty Images) Getty

“We treated the man for a head injury and he was taken to Moruya District Hospital.”

The pro-am was being held a day before a NSW Open qualifying event. Guan’s coach Paul Davis said it was the first pro-am he’d ever played in.

“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,” he told Australian Golf Digest.

Jeff Guan of Australia plays his first shot on the first hole during day one of the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge at Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil on June 27, 2024 in Le Vaudreuil, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images) — Guan in action in the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge in France in June. Getty

“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.”

The PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and Golf Australia confirmed the news in a joint statement on Saturday.

“(We) wish to thank everyone who assisted Jeff following the incident and wish him all the best with his recovery,” it read.

Jeff Guan of Australi lines up for his putt on the 18th hole during day four of the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge at Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil on June 30, 2024 in Le Vaudreuil, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images) — Guan lining up a putt in the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge in France in June. Getty

“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 turned pro and won the Cameron Smith scholarship in 2023, and spent a week with the Aussie winner of the 2022 British Open.

Pro-ams are a social event usually held in the days before professional tournaments, where amateurs – either sponsors, members or other invited guests – get the chance to play a round with a pro.