Abroad
Australian golfer, 18, passes away in Thailand after brain haemorrhage while preparing for tournament
She had won her first professional event at just her fifth start.
August 14, 2026, 05:09 PM
Photos from GoFundMe
An 18-year-old Australian golfer has died in Thailand after suffering a brain haemorrhage on Aug. 13.
According to a GoFundMe page set up by her cousins, Jessica Bang collapsed on Aug. 1 while preparing for a golf tournament in Bangkok.
She was due to compete in the International Qualifying Tournament for the Korean women's professional tour, ABC News reported.
Bang had recently won her first professional event at just her fifth start in February 2026.
Her cousins said she had shown a promising future in golf and earned the nickname "Rookie Bang".
Funds raised will go to her parents to help with her medical expenses, they added.
At the time of writing, AUD$48,423 (S$43,803) had been raised.
Promising golfer
The Women's Professional Golfers' Association (WPGA) Tour of Australasia announced Bang's death in a Facebook statement on Aug. 13.
"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," it said.
The tour described Bang as an "outstanding young talent" who made a significant impression during her short time on the Tour.
"She had earned her place on the WPGA Tour through Qualifying School at the end of 2025, following an outstanding amateur career," it said.
"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."
