Australian golfer Jessica Bang, 18, dies following brain haemorrhage

The WPGA Tour of Australasia has confirmed the death of Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old Australian golfer who collapsed while preparing for a tournament in Thailand on 1 August. Bang underwent emergency brain surgery in Bangkok following a brain haemorrhage and passed away in intensive care on Thursday, nearly two weeks after the initial incident.

Bang, who turned professional at the end of 2025, had established herself as a promising figure in the sport, securing her first professional victory in just her fifth start earlier this year. Her rapid ascent included qualifying for the WPGA rookie season in November and winning a regional qualifying event in February with a final-round 65, which earned her a place at the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour.

In a statement, the WPGA Tour of Australasia described Bang as an "outstanding young talent." The organisation expressed its condolences to her family, friends, and the broader Australian golf community, noting the profound impact of her loss at such a critical stage in her career.

A GoFundMe page established by Bang’s cousins following her collapse has been set up to assist with her medical expenses, with funds designated for her parents. Family members stated on the page that they are "truly heartbroken" by the news, highlighting the financial burden placed on the family during this period.

Bang’s career trajectory had shown significant promise before her untimely death. After missing the cut at the NWS Women's Open, she continued to compete in the WPGA circuit, where her early success had drawn attention from within the golfing community. The circumstances surrounding the specific medical cause of the haemorrhage remain undetailed in available reports.