Rising Australian professional golfer Jessica Bang has died at just 18 years old after suffering a brain hemorrhage while preparing for a qualifying tournament in Thailand.
Bang collapsed on Aug. 1 while in Bangkok preparing for the KLPGA Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament. She was rushed to Synphaet Ramintra Hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery before being placed on life support in intensive care.
Her family announced that Bang died at the hospital Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7:20 a.m. local time, nearly two weeks after her collapse.
The WPGA Tour of Australasia confirmed the teenager’s death and paid tribute to one of the sport’s promising young players.
“The Australian golf community is deeply saddened by the passing of young tour member Jessica Bang in Thailand,” the organization said.
The WPGA described Bang as an “outstanding young talent” who had already made a significant impression during her brief professional career.
Bang’s cousins, Summer and Amelia, had established a GoFundMe following her medical emergency in hopes of helping cover her treatment and eventually bringing her back to Australia.
Following her death, they said the money raised would instead be provided to her parents to help cover medical expenses.
“We are truly heartbroken by this news. However, we would like to continue to remember Jessica and celebrate her achievements, passion, and dedication to golf,” her cousins wrote.
“As her cousins, we will forever cherish the time and memories we shared with Jessica. Her sense of humour, together with her cheerful and vibrant personality, will always be remembered and treasured by our family.”
Bang’s death came just as her professional golf career was beginning to take off.
She earned her place on the WPGA Tour through qualifying school at the end of 2025 following an accomplished amateur career.
In February, Bang delivered a breakthrough performance by winning the Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale in only her fifth professional start.
Bang shot an eight-under-par 65 in the final round, setting a course record and securing the tournament by five strokes, per Trending Politics.
“I’m so happy, I can’t even put it into words,” Bang said following the victory. “It still doesn’t feel real yet. I did not expect this at all — big surprise.”
The teenager had also won the Queensland Amateur during her amateur career before turning professional late last year.
Her rapid rise had positioned her for a rookie season on the professional circuit before the medical emergency in Thailand abruptly halted her career.
The WPGA Tour of Australasia offered its condolences to everyone affected by Bang’s death.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the broader Australian golf community are with Jessica’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her at this incredibly difficult time,” the organization said.
Bang’s family said they now hope attention will remain on the young golfer’s achievements, passion for the sport and the personality she shared with those around her.
