Rookie professional golfer Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old rising talent on the Australasian WPGA Tour, died on Aug. 13 after suffering a brain hemorrhage and collapsing while preparing for a tournament in Thailand, her
family said.
Bang died at 7:20 a.m. local time at Synphat Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok, according to an update on a
GoFundMe post by her cousins, Summer and Amelia. She had been hospitalized since Aug. 1, when she suddenly collapsed and underwent emergency brain surgery. She was later placed on life support in intensive care.
“We are truly heartbroken by this news. However, we would like to continue to remember Jessica and celebrate her achievements, passion, and dedication to golf,” her cousins wrote.
“As her cousins, we will forever cherish the time and memories we shared with Jessica. Her sense of humour, together with her cheerful and vibrant personality, will always be remembered and treasured by our family.”
Bang earned her WPGA Tour of Australasia membership through Qualifying School in late 2025 and began her rookie professional season in 2026.
"Jessica was an outstanding young talent who made a significant impression in her short time on the Tour, winning the Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale in February in just her fifth professional start," the WGPA Tour
stated on Thursday. "She had earned her place on the WPGA Tour through Qualifying School at the end of 2025, following an outstanding amateur career."
“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,” the organization said.
Bang’s breakthrough came in February at the Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event in Moss Vale, Australia. In only her fifth professional start, Bang completed a final round of 8-under-par 65 to win by five shots. Her final-round 65 set a course record and secured her place in the Women’s NSW Open,
according to Golf Australia.
After the victory, Bang said she was “so happy, I can’t even put it into words.” Her mother served as her caddie throughout her rookie season.
Bang, who had been based in South Korea, was a member of Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club in Sydney and stayed with family in the city while competing in Australia, according to Golf Australia. She had played golf for eight years.
Australian golfer Whitney Hillier paid tribute to Bang at the Swiss Ladies Open. “I’m playing for her this week,” Hillier
said. Hillier has worked her way back to competitive golf on a medical exemption following health issues from long COVID,
according to Golf Australia.
