The golf world and beyond is mourning the sudden loss of Makena White, the vibrant 28-year-old girlfriend of PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp, who passed away earlier this week. The news, confirmed on September 26, 2025, through a heartfelt post on her Instagram account by a close friend, has cast a shadow of sadness, particularly as it coincided with the start of the prestigious Ryder Cup. While the cause of her death remains private, the focus has firmly settled on celebrating a young woman remembered for her enormous heart and radiant spirit.
White is described as a force of nature, a young woman with a rare gift for making everyone around her feel special. Her story is not just one of tragic loss, but of a life lived with passion, intelligence, and deep love. In the days following her passing, tributes have poured in from friends, family, and the golf community, all painting a picture of a person whose kindness and energy left an indelible mark on those who knew her. As her loved ones grapple with their grief, they have asked for privacy, choosing to honor her memory through charitable acts that reflect the caring person she was.
You Might Like: After 60 Years, Tim Allen Finds Peace by Forgiving
A Bright Light Remembered
The announcement of Makena White’s passing came directly from her own Instagram page, where a devastated friend shared the heartbreaking news. “Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” the post began. It went on to describe the profound void she left behind, noting she is “already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie,” her two beloved dogs. The tribute beautifully captured Makena’s essence, calling her “one of a kind” and highlighting her huge heart that was “always overflowing with love.”
The post noted, “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.” It closed with a poignant promise: “We love you, Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.” In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to two causes close to Makena’s heart: the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. The Bruyère clinic held personal significance, as it was the same facility that cared for Makena’s mother, Crystal, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 and passed away in April 2022.
Jake Knapp, the 31-year-old PGA Tour golfer, broke his silence hours after the news was made public. In a statement, he remembered Makena as a profoundly thoughtful and selfless person. “Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,” Knapp shared. “We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend.” He spoke of her “fun, outgoing energy” that would be missed by all who knew her and respectfully asked for privacy for her family and friends as they process the immense loss.
Also See: Tupac Shakur’s Parents & Family
A Supportive Partner and an Accomplished Individual
Makena White was far more than just the partner of a professional athlete. Hailing from Ottawa, Canada, she was an accomplished individual in her own right. She graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with degrees in both communications and software engineering. She built a successful career as an on-site representative for a surgical equipment company, where her colleagues knew her as a dedicated professional. In the months before her passing, Makena had been open online about facing health challenges, including upcoming cardiac and vascular surgeries, revealing a personal resilience that those close to her greatly admired.
Her relationship with Jake Knapp, which began in August 2023, became public after his dramatic victory at the 2024 Mexico Open. A video of their emotional hug on the 18th green after his win quickly went viral, endearing them to golf fans around the world. From that moment on, Makena was a constant and visible source of support for Jake, cheering him on at tournaments, including when he shot a historic bogey-free 59 at the 2025 Cognizant Classic.
Her final Instagram post, from August 11, 2025, now stands as a beautiful and heartbreaking testament to their bond. She shared a photo of them together, writing, “Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams… 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.”
The golf community has felt this loss deeply. CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis commented, “Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts of this last year… I will miss her light,” while golf insider Dan Rapaport simply stated, “What a light she was.” Though her life was cut tragically short, Makena White is remembered as a brilliant, loving, and joyful person whose light touched everyone she met.
