Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old rookie professional golfer from Australia, has died in a Thailand hospital, the WPGA Tour of Australasia confirmed on Thursday, August 14, 2026, at 3:37 PM EDT. The young athlete passed away after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
The medical emergency occurred on August 1, when Bang collapsed while preparing for an upcoming tournament in Thailand. She was rushed to a medical facility in Bangkok, where she underwent emergency surgery for the brain hemorrhage.
In a statement regarding her passing, the WPGA Tour of Australasia expressed that the Australian golf community is deeply saddened, describing Bang as an outstanding young talent who made a significant impression during her brief tenure on the tour. A GoFundMe page established by the golfer's cousins has successfully raised more than $50,000 AUD to support her family. In a tribute posted to the page, her relatives noted that they will forever cherish the time spent with her, remembering her vibrant personality and sense of humor.
Bang had secured her place on the professional tour after competing at qualifying school late last year. Her professional career saw an early highlight in February, when she won the Women's New South Wales Open Regional Qualifying Event during only her fifth start. Her performance included a final-round 65, which earned her a spot in the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, where she ultimately missed the cut.
