18-Year-Old Golf Prospect Sets Record Just Three Months After Turning Pro...Dies in Bangkok After Battle With Brain Hemorrhage

[Financial News] Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old Australian golfer of Korean descent, has died after collapsing from a brain hemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Pattani FC. The sudden death of the rising star, who drew attention for her dominant play soon after turning professional, has prompted condolences from the golf world and internet users in Korea and abroad.

According to Seven News, Daily Mail and other foreign media outlets on the 13th local time, Bang's family and Australian golf officials said she died that morning at a hospital in Bangkok, with her family by her side.
Born in Korea and raised in Australia, Bang turned professional in November last year. Just three months later, she set a course record with an 8-under-par 65 in the final round of regional qualifying for the Ford Women's NSW Open earlier this year and finished on top.
After winning by five strokes in just her fifth professional event, she earned the nickname "Rookie Bang" and drew high expectations from the Australian golf scene.
She had been preparing for the KLPGA International Qualifying Tournament (IQT), held in Bangkok this month, in hopes of moving on to a bigger stage. But on the 1st, while continuing practice locally, she suddenly collapsed from a brain hemorrhage and was rushed to Bangkok Synphaet Ramintra Hospital.
After emergency brain surgery, she fought for her life in the intensive care unit on life support. Her cousins appealed for help on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe to arrange treatment and an air ambulance transfer back to Australia.
As her heartbreaking story spread, donations totaling 39,000 Australian dollars, or about 39 million won, were collected. However, she never regained consciousness and eventually passed away. The funds will be handed over to her family to cover medical expenses.
The news of her death drew expressions of grief from the Australian and international golf communities.
The New South Wales Golf Association said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Jessica's death. She had a bright future and great talent," adding, "She was loved by many for her kindness on and off the course, and she will be deeply missed."
The WPGA Tour also said, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of a talented player who made a strong impression in a short time," and added, "Our thoughts are with her family and everyone who loved her."
Her family said, "Even in the midst of heartbreaking grief, we will continue to honor Jessica's passion for golf and her achievements," and added, "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time."

[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter