A PROMISING golf prodigy has been left blinded in one eye following a freak on-course accident.

Jeffrey Guan, 20, suffered a broken eye socket and fractured cheekbone after being struck by a golf ball last month.

The Australian youngster was hit in the face during a tournament in Batemans Bay, New South Wales.

Guan’s coach Paul Davis revealed the ball came from an errant tee shot by another player.

He was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to see an eye specialist in Canberra.

Guan underwent surgery a day later, recalling: “The instant ringing and pain rushed to my head, and I dropped to the ground.

“I had my first surgery that night. I was in unbearable pain.

“Anxiety about my future was swirling in my mind.”

The PGA of Australia has since confirmed a “distraught” Guan has “permanently lost vision in his left eye”.

Doctors have ordered the World No. 1055 against swinging a golf club for at least six months.

He continued: “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.

“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.

“I will be back.”

Guan recently appeared at the Procore Championship in Napa, California.

He had been given a sponsor invite to the PGA Tour event, showing his promise with rounds of 69 and 75 to narrowly miss the cut.

Guan turned professional last autumn and has already carded seven top-25 finishes.