Promising Australian golfer Jessica Bang has died at the age of 18 following a brain hemorrhage. Bang collapsed on August 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, where she was preparing for a tournament.
She was immediately taken to a local hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery. After spending nearly two weeks in intensive care, she passed away on Thursday. The WPGA Tour of Australasia confirmed her death, remembering Bang as an "outstanding young talent."
"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," a statement from the tour read.
Bang, who turned professional at the end of 2025, secured her first professional victory earlier this year in just her fifth start. She qualified for the WPGA Tour's rookie season in November. In February, she achieved a significant milestone by shooting a final-round 65 to win a regional qualifying event, earning her a spot in the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, though she missed the cut at that event.
A GoFundMe page established by Bang's cousins to assist with her medical expenses stated, "We are truly heartbroken by this news." The funds raised are intended to help her parents with her medical bills.