Australian golf mourns as 18-year-old rookie Jessica Bang dies in Thailand

Sydney, on August 14 — Promising Australian teenage golfer Jessica Bang passed away following a brain haemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Thailand, her family and tour officials announced. The 18-year-old, who secured her first professional win in just her fifth start earlier this year, experienced a collapse on August 1 and was immediately transported to a Bangkok hospital, where she endured emergency brain surgery.

Despite medical intervention, Jessica did not survive and succumbed to her condition yesterday. Her family expressed their profound grief through a GoFundMe page established after her illness, stating, “We are truly heartbroken by this news.” However, they emphasized the importance of remembering Jessica and acknowledging her passion and dedication to golf.

The funds raised will aid her parents in covering her medical expenses. Bang was in Thailand to compete in the International Qualifying Tournament for the Korean women’s professional tour. The Women’s Professional Golf Association (WPGA) Tour of Australasia described her as an “outstanding young talent” who turned professional at the end of 2025 following an impressive amateur career.

The WPGA, along with the wider Australian golf community, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young Tour member Jessica Bang in Thailand, adding that their thoughts and prayers are with Jessica’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her during this profoundly difficult period.