Rising golf star, 18, dies after brain haemorrhage

Jessica Bang, a promising young Australian golfer, has passed away at the age of 18 following a brain haemorrhage. The athlete, who won her first professional event in just her fifth start earlier this year, collapsed on 1 August while preparing for a tournament in Thailand.

She was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok and underwent emergency brain surgery. After spending almost two weeks in intensive care, she died on Thursday.

The WPGA Tour of Australasia paid tribute to Bang, calling her an "outstanding young talent". In a statement, the tour said its thoughts and prayers were with her family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Bang's cousins after her collapse. Family members wrote that they were truly heartbroken by the news, and that the funds raised would be given to her parents to help cover medical expenses.

Bang had recently qualified to begin her rookie season on the WPGA Tour, having won the Queensland Amateur in 2025. She shot a final-round 65 in February to win a regional qualifying event and earn a spot in the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, where she missed the cut.