Jeffrey Guan: How golfer blinded in one eye has fought back to play in Australian Open

Having upped his workload to daily practice sessions with long-time coach Gary Barter at the revered Australian Golf Club, Guan had a decision to make about returning to the professional ranks.

“Even when training and practising was going well, I was 50-50 if I should take another year off,” he said.

“I get two years on a medical [exemption] and, after talking to my team and my parents, I felt two years out of golf was too long.”

Guan has been fitted for a prosthetic cover over the eye, which he wears while playing to make him feel “100% confident” in front of other people.

His first tournament back came at the Northern Territory PGA Championship in August, falling short of the cut after carding rounds of 74 and 73.

A fortnight later he played at the Western Australia PGA Championship – finishing in a share of 10th place after shooting a final-day 66.

Guan says his comeback has been fuelled by self-motivation, but also credits the overwhelming support of the golfing world for providing further encouragement.

A recent video message from Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood – who Guan describes as an “idol” – was a particular source of inspiration.

Fleetwood will not be playing in the Australian Open, but Guan warily dreams about potentially lining up alongside the Englishman in the future.

“I would love to be part of the DP Tour or PGA Tour as a member but right now I’m just focusing on the Aussie schedule and playing my way up from there,” he said.

“I want to say [earning tour cards] is a target but it’s still very early to tell.”