Australian Golfer Jessica Bang Dies in Bangkok at 18

Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old rookie professional golfer from Australia, died in a Bangkok hospital on August 13, 2026, after suffering a brain hemorrhage earlier in the month. The WPGA Tour of Australasia confirmed her passing, stating the Australian golf community is deeply saddened by the loss of the young tour member.

Bang collapsed on August 1 while preparing for the KLPGA Tour's International Qualifying Tournament in Thailand. She was transported to Synphaet Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok, where she underwent emergency brain surgery. Despite the procedure, she remained on life support in intensive care for twelve days. Her family, including her mother who often served as her caddie, was by her bedside throughout her hospitalization. She died at 7:20 a.m. local time on August 13.

The young golfer had recently turned professional in November 2025 after earning her tour card through the WPGA Tour of Australasia's qualifying school. She made an immediate impact, winning the Women's New South Wales Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale in February in just her fifth professional start. That victory, which included a course-record final round of eight-under 65 with eight...