Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour professional Jake Knapp, has died at the age of 28, it was announced on Friday, coinciding with the opening day of the 2025 Ryder Cup in a tragic story.
The news was shared on White’s Instagram account, leaving fans and the golfing community in shock on what should be one of the biggest days of the sport’s calendar. It comes just days after Knapp competed at the The Grant Thornton Invitational.
“Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend,” a statement on White’s social media account read. “Writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week.
“She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie.
“Makena was one of a kind. She had this rare way of making you feel special, and her huge heart was always overflowing with love.
“To be loved by Makena was a gift; one that came with endless laughter, so much joy, and a healthy sprinkling of chaos as we tried to keep up with her travel schedule.
“If you would like to honour Makena’s memory, donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund would mean a lot.
“We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”
The post did not reveal any details regarding the cause of death or where White was at the time of her passing. Knapp, 31, did not qualify for this year’s Ryder Cup.
Makena White: A talented golfer and college graduate
White, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with degrees in communications and software engineering. She worked in surgical sales, providing equipment primarily to vascular and cardiac surgeons.
A sports enthusiast, White particularly followed hockey and cheered for her hometown Ottawa Senators and even played golf to a good standard before she met Knapp.
“I was a good golfer as a kid,” Makena once recalled. “But from 16-21 I picked up a club maybe five times total, I had no interest.”
Following her relationship with Knapp, she reportedly rekindled her passion for the sport.
Knapp turned professional in 2016 and achieved three top-10 finishes in 2024, including T6 at the Cognizant Classic, T4 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and T3 at the 3M Open.
He also reached the FedEx Cup playoffs before being eliminated after tying for 62nd at the St. Jude Championship.
President Donald Trump attends Ryder Cup Day 1
While Knapp didn’t qualify, Donald Trump arrived at Bethpage Black to watch the fourballs on the opening day of the Ryder Cup, drawing attention amid a partisan atmosphere towards the United States President.
Air Force One flew over the course just outside New York around 11:00 ET/08:00 PT and landed at a nearby airport, with Trump arriving on-site 45 minutes later to watch the sport.
As an avid golfer, Trump waved to crowds upon arrival, with supporters chanting his name alongside “U-S-A” while some expressed disapproval with boos for the controversial politician.
“I think we’ll be ok. All great golfers,” Trump said of USA’s chances against Europe, after stepping off Air Force One. He was accompanied by his granddaughter Kai, who is scheduled to play at the University of Miami in 2026.
Security for Trump’s visit was significantly heightened, involving the US Secret Service, CIA, and FBI in a coordinated, cross-agency operation following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
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