The Aussie contingent are carrying the memory of fellow WPGA Tour of Australasia member Jessica Bang at this week’s VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open after the 18-year-old tragically lost her life on Thursday.
Bang competed in several Ladies European Tour (LET) events in Australia earlier this year and was one of the country’s rising stars. Back in Febriary, in just her fifth start as a professional, Bang won the Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale to play her way into the first co-sanctioned tournament of the LET’s Aussie swing.
Two weeks ago, the teenager suffered a brain haemorrhage while preparing for KLPGA Q-School in Thailand. Bang was rushed to hospital in Bangkok and had emergency brain surgery. After being in intensive care for nearly two weeks, she sadly passed away on Thursday.
Whitney Hillier is one Australian playing in honour of Bang this week as the 35-year-old goes in pursuit of a maiden victory on the LET.
“She was entered to play KLPGA Q School in Thailand and she’s not with us anymore,” Hillier said, who sits T2 heading into the final round after cards of 66-67. “I didn’t know her very well, but I met her through the Aussie summer this year. She was such a sweet player and had already won as well.
“She was on a good start already to her career and it just puts things into perspective. I’m incredibly grateful that I’m fit and healthy and I’m playing for her this week. I guess the putts are dropping for her.”
Justice Bosio is also in the mix at Golfpark Holzhäusern and paid tribute to the 18-year-old following her second round 67 (-4).
She said: “I didn’t know Jessica personally but she as a great golfer and it’s really tragic and really sad to hear. I found out about it yesterday before I went out for my round. I guess in a way we’re all playing for her this week. Us Aussies have got to stick together and when something tragic like that happens.”
In a statement released on Friday, the WPGA Tour of Australasia expressed its great sadness that a young player of such promise could lose her life so suddenly.
“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 statement read.
“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 LET extends its heartfelt condolences to Bang’s family and friends as well the whole Australian golf community at this extremely difficult time.
