Australian golfer Jessica Bang dies at 18 in Thailand

Australian professional golfer Jessica Bang has passed away at the age of 18 following a medical emergency in Thailand. Bang, a rising talent known as ‘Rookie Bang’, collapsed on August 1st while in Bangkok for the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament.

After her collapse, she was rushed to Synphaet Ramintra Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to treat a brain hemorrhage. She remained on life support in the intensive care unit for nearly two weeks before passing away on August 13th.

Bang was beginning her rookie professional season after earning status on the WPGA Tour of Australasia. Her recent career highlights included winning the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event in February. The golfing community and Golf NSW have expressed deep condolences, noting her talent and kindness both on and off the course.