20th August 2026 – (Melbourne) The Australian golfing world is in mourning following the tragic passing of rising star Jessica Bang, who died in Thailand at the age of eighteen. Bang collapsed on 1st August while preparing for a tournament in Thailand and was urgently taken to a hospital in Bangkok, where she underwent emergency brain surgery but sadly could not be saved. She passed away on 13th August, with the news confirmed by the WPGA Tour of Australasia.
Jessica Bang had swiftly built a reputation as an exceptional talent in the sport, having secured her place on the WPGA Tour of Australasia through qualifying school at the close of last year. She made a mark early in her professional career, triumphing at the Women’s New South Wales Open Regional Qualifying Event in February—her success achieved in just her fifth professional start. The WPGA paid tribute to her bright promise and the impact she made on and off the course, expressing heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her.