A Family Left Shat-tered: Rising Aussie Golf Star Jessica Bang D-i-es at 18 After Sudden Collapse Before Tournament
The heartbroken family of Australian golfer Jessica Bang have told 7NEWS she died in hospital in Thailand on Thursday morning.
The 18-year-old professional, who was considered a future star of the sport, was admitted to hospital in Bangkok after collapsing earlier this month.
Suffering a brain haemorrhage, Bang underwent emergency surgery and remained on life support but died with her family by her side.
Bang has relatives in Sydney and in South Korea who have been left devastated.
In a statement, Golf NSW said Bang will be “deeply missed”.
“Golf NSW is devastated to learn of the passing of Jessica Bang,” they said.
“It was at Moss Vale in February this year that Jessica claimed her first professional title, winning the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event, one of a number of Golf NSW events she played in this year.
“She was a talented golfer with a bright future ahead of her, and was well regarded for her kindness both on and off the course.
“Our thoughts are with Jessica’s family, friends, and everyone in the golfing community who had the privilege of knowing her or watching her play. She will be deeply missed.”
Bang is affectionately known as ‘Rookie Bang’.
At the start of this year, with her mother as her caddie, Bang won the Ford NSW Regional Championship in Moss Vale, NSW.
In the final round of that tournament she blasted an 8-under par 65, setting a new course record. The round included a whopping eight birdies and a sensational eagle.
“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,” the WPGA Tour of Australasia said in a statement.
“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.
“Looking to further advance her career, Jessica was preparing to play in the KLPGA Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok.
“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 Moss Vale win was Bang’s first victory on the professional circuit after she only turned pro in November 2025.
“I’m so happy, I can’t even put it into words,” she later said.
“It still doesn’t feel real yet. I did not expect this at all — big surprise.”
Bang’s family had created a GoFundMe in a bid to raise funds to help the family navigate the difficult situation.
Bang has relatives in Sydney and in South Korea who have been left devastated.
In a statement, Golf NSW said Bang will be “deeply missed”.
“Golf NSW is devastated to learn of the passing of Jessica Bang,” they said.
“It was at Moss Vale in February this year that Jessica claimed her first professional title, winning the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event, one of a number of Golf NSW events she played in this year.
“She was a talented golfer with a bright future ahead of her, and was well regarded for her kindness both on and off the course.
“Our thoughts are with Jessica’s family, friends, and everyone in the golfing community who had the privilege of knowing her or watching her play. She will be deeply missed.”
Bang is affectionately known as ‘Rookie Bang’.
At the start of this year, with her mother as her caddie, Bang won the Ford NSW Regional Championship in Moss Vale, NSW.
In the final round of that tournament she blasted an 8-under par 65, setting a new course record. The round included a whopping eight birdies and a sensational eagle.
“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,” the WPGA Tour of Australasia said in a statement.
“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.
“Looking to further advance her career, Jessica was preparing to play in the KLPGA Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok.
“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 Moss Vale win was Bang’s first victory on the professional circuit after she only turned pro in November 2025.
“I’m so happy, I can’t even put it into words,” she later said.
“It still doesn’t feel real yet. I did not expect this at all — big surprise.”
Bang’s family had created a GoFundMe in a bid to raise funds to help the family navigate the difficult situation.
