The sports world has been struck by tragedy with the news of the passing of Makena White, the girlfriend of professional golfer and PGA Tour member, Jake Knapp, on Friday, September 26.
Knapp’s sporting achievements have been overshadowed by personal heartbreak, as news of White’s death coincided with the opening day of the Ryder Cup in New York as Team USA takes on Team Europe.
White, remembered for her energy and generous spirit, had shared a deeply affectionate message to Knapp on Instagram just last month. The post, which has since taken on a poignant meaning, was her final public tribute to their relationship.
“Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams,” White wrote on August 11. “Second season in the books – forever grateful to be on this walk with you, here’s to many many many more!
“I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud.”
Knapp replied with two heart emojis at the time, a brief acknowledgment that now carries the weight of a farewell. The exchange illustrates the strength of their relationship, which began in August 2023 and quickly became a central part of both their lives.
News of White’s passing was first confirmed on her Instagram account, leaving players, fans, and friends stunned. Tributes soon followed, with one close friend writing:
“Makena was one of a kind,” White’s friend wrote, via Makena’s social media account. “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.”
That same post encouraged donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Canadian-born White, who was 28, grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. She studied at McMaster University, where she completed degrees in communications and software engineering before graduating in 2019.
Professionally, she pursued a career in surgical sales, assisting with the provision of tools for cardiac and vascular surgeons. Her professional success, combined with her warm personality, left an impression on all who knew her.
Jake Knapp speaks after shocking death of girlfriend, Makena White
White’s sudden death has left family, friends, and the wider sporting community in mourning, coming at a time when Knapp‘s career had been reaching new heights after breaking into the Top 10 throughout 2024.
The 31-year-old is recognized as one of the brightest emerging names on the PGA Tour after he claimed victory at the 2024 Mexican Open and captured attention earlier this year with a bogey-free round of 59 at the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach, Florida.
Knapp himself spoke to The Daily Mail on Friday evening, describing the devastating loss as “a hard reality to understand.”
He added: “We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend.”
Knapp also emphasized White’s generosity, saying she was both thoughtful and selfless. He asked for privacy for her family and friends as they navigate their grief.
For those who followed Knapp’s journey on the PGA Tour, White’s constant presence and encouragement had been a familiar sight and a testament to the pair’s close and loving bond.
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