Rising Australian golf star Jessica Bang tragically died at just 18 years old after suffering a brain hemorrhage while in Thailand for a qualifying tournament. Bang collapsed on August 1st and was rushed to a Bangkok hospital, where doctors performed emergency brain surgery. She remained hospitalized for nearly two weeks before her family announced that she had passed away on August 13th.
Bang had traveled to Thailand for the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament. The young golfer was beginning her rookie professional season after earning status on the WPGA Tour of Australasia through qualifying school at the end of 2025. Her sudden medical emergency came only months after she recorded the biggest victory of her short professional career.
Following her collapse, Bang was transported to Synphaet Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok. Doctors performed emergency surgery after determining that she had suffered a brain hemorrhage, and she was later placed on life support in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Her family initially hoped she could eventually be transported back to Australia to continue her recovery near loved ones.
The Daily Caller reported that Bang died at 7:20 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 13th. Her cousins, Summer and Amelia, confirmed her death in an update posted to a GoFundMe page created following the medical emergency. The fundraiser was established to assist Bang’s parents with the considerable expenses connected to her treatment.
“We are truly heartbroken by this news,” Bang’s cousins wrote. “However, we would like to continue to remember Jessica and celebrate her achievements, passion, and dedication to golf.” They thanked the people who had donated and supported the family during the nearly two weeks Bang spent in the Bangkok hospital.
“As her cousins, we will forever cherish the time and memories we shared with Jessica,” Summer and Amelia continued. “Her sense of humour, together with her cheerful and vibrant personality, will always be remembered and treasured by our family.” The family said that money raised through the campaign would be provided to Bang’s parents to help cover her medical expenses.
Bang had already attracted attention as one of the most promising young players on the Australian women’s golf circuit. In February, she captured the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale in only her fifth professional start. According to Golf Australia, Bang entered the final round five shots behind the leader before producing a course-record eight-under-par 65.
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Bang’s final round included eight birdies and an eagle on the par-five 15th hole, allowing her to finish the tournament at 13 under par and win by five strokes. The victory earned her a place in the Ford Women’s NSW Open and marked her first professional title. “I’m so happy, I can’t even put it into words,” Bang said after the win. “It still doesn’t feel real yet. I did not expect this at all — big surprise.”
Born in South Korea and representing Australia, Bang turned professional in November 2025 following a successful amateur career that included a victory at the Queensland Amateur Championship. She then secured her WPGA Tour status through qualifying school and quickly gained the nickname “Rookie Bang.” Her Moss Vale victory established her as a young player capable of competing with experienced professionals before her rookie campaign was cut tragically short.
“The WPGA Tour of Australasia and the broader Australian golf community is deeply saddened by the passing of young Tour member Jessica Bang in Thailand,” the organization said. “Jessica was an outstanding young talent who made a significant impression in her short time on the Tour.” The statement concluded, “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.”