Rising golf star, 18, dies after brain haemorrhage

Jessica Bang, a promising Australian golfer, has died at the age of 18 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Bang, who won her first professional event in just her fifth start earlier this year, was preparing for a tournament in Thailand on 1 August when she collapsed.

She was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok and had emergency brain surgery. After being in intensive care for nearly two weeks, she died on Thursday.

The WPGA Tour of Australasia said Bang, who turned professional at the end of 2025, was an "outstanding young talent".

"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 statement read.

Writing on a GoFundMe page that was set up by Bang's cousins after her collapse, family members said: "We are truly heartbroken by this news.

"The funds we have raised will be given to her parents to help contribute towards her medical expenses."

Bang recently qualified to start her rookie season in the WPGA, having won the Queensland Amateur in 2025.

She shot a final-round 65 to win a regional qualifying event in February to reach the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, where she missed the cut.