Australian golfer Jessica Bang dies at 18 after brain haemorrhage

Herz — World Desk · 14 August 2026 at 07:26 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What we know

The BBC reports that Jessica Bang, an Australian golfer, died on Thursday at the age of 18 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

She collapsed on 1 August while preparing for a tournament in Thailand.

Taken to a hospital in Bangkok, she underwent emergency brain surgery and then remained in intensive care for almost two weeks.

After her collapse, her cousins launched a GoFundMe campaign. The funds were intended to help her parents pay the medical bills.

Her sporting career

Jessica Bang had turned professional at the end of 2025. That same year, she won the Queensland Amateur.

She had also qualified for her first season on the WPGA Tour of Australasia, the Australia-based women’s professional circuit.

Earlier in 2026, she won her first professional event in just her fifth start.

In February, she carded a final-round 65 in a regional qualifying event.

That victory earned her a place in the NSW Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, the main women’s professional circuit in Europe. She missed the cut.

Timeline

1. 2025
   Jessica Bang wins the Queensland Amateur.
2. Late 2025
   She turns professional.
3. February 2026
   She wins a regional qualifier with a final-round 65.
4. 1 August 2026
   She collapses in Thailand while preparing for a tournament.
5. Thursday
   Her death at the age of 18 is reported following a brain haemorrhage.

Reaction from the tour

The WPGA Tour of Australasia described Jessica Bang as an exceptional young talent. It sent its thoughts to her family, friends and the Australian golf community.