Golfer, 18, dies after she suffers brain haemorrhage as ‘heartbroken’ family pay tribute

Jessica Bang, an exciting young Australian golfer, has sadly died aged just 18 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The teenager collapsed on August 1 while in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of competing in the KLPGA Tour's International Qualifying Tournament.

She was swiftly taken to hospital for emergency surgery on her brain and after spending nearly two weeks in intensive care, she died on Thursday. In a joint statement, Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia described Bang as an "outstanding young talent".

The statement read: "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. 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.

"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."

A GoFundMe was established by Bang's cousins to assist with medical expenses and arrange her repatriation to her family. It has raised nearly 50,000 Australian dollars (£26,000) to date, however they shared the devastating news on Thursday that she had died.

An update posted on the fundraiser by her cousins read: "We would like to thank everyone for your overwhelming support and well-wishes. Sadly, Jessica passed away this morning, August 13, at Synphaet Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 7.20 am local time.

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. The funds we have raised will be given to her parents to help contribute towards her medical expenses. Once again, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Jessica and our family through this incredibly difficult time."

Bang was based in Korea with family in Sydney, and earned her place on the Women's PGA Tour of Australasia following victory at the prestigious Queensland Amateur the previous year. Speaking after the victory, she said: "I'm so happy, I can't even put it into words. It still doesn't feel real yet. I did not expect this at all - big surprise."