Promising Young Golfer Loses Eyesight After Getting Struck by Stray Ball, But Bravely Declares 'I Will Be Back'

A young Australian professional golfer shared a heartfelt message to social media, thanking his followers for their support after a golfing accident left him blind in one eye.

20-year-old Jeffrey Guan first made a name for himself by participating in the Procore Championship, a pro golf tournament that is part of the PGA Tour.

In September, Guan suffered an injury to his left eye while on the golf course while playing in a pro-am, in which both professionals and amateurs compete. On Thursday, Guan posted a statement to his Instagram account, containing a description of what happened to him and the aftermath of the injury he sustained.

"As most of you are aware, I was hit in the left eye with a golf ball during a pro-am last month," he wrote. "Many of you want to know what happened, as there has been very little good news over the past four weeks. I have been waiting for the assessment report on my eye to release information."

He continued to describe being rushed to the hospital after getting hit by the stray golf ball, expressing that he was in "unbearable pain, and anxiety about my future was swirling in my mind."

"It wasn't until the third week that I received the news that my eye pressure suddenly decreased towards the norm, and the eye looked much more stable. Though this was the first piece of positive news, my doctors told me that my injury was severe, with several fractures around the eye socket, and recovery would take at least six months to a year," Guan continued.

He began to describe the despair he experienced while in the hospital being treated for his injury, stating that he was fearful of the impact of the injury on his future within the sport. Guan expressed that feelings of frustration, coupled with constant physical pain, left him feeling entirely hopeless.

"Fortunately, I have been lucky enough to have a huge support group around me and I can't thank all of them enough for the support I have received in recent weeks. I wouldn't be where I am right now without all the encouragement and assistance I have received," he wrote.

"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 both physically and emotionally."

"I will be back. Much love, always, Jeff," he said, ending the statement.