The world of professional golf was struck by profound sadness in late September 2025 with the tragic news that Makena White, the beloved girlfriend of PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp, had passed away unexpectedly at the age of 28. The heartbreaking announcement, made by a close friend on White’s Instagram account, shared that she had died earlier in the week, sending waves of grief through their families, friends, and the wider golf community. The couple, who had been dating for two years, were a constant presence in each other’s lives, with White often traveling to cheer Knapp on during his tournaments. Her vibrant spirit and supportive nature made her a familiar and cherished figure on the tour.
While the specific details surrounding her passing were not publicly disclosed, the moving tributes that followed painted a clear picture of a woman who lived life with immense joy and love. In her final social media posts, White had celebrated her relationship with Jake Knapp, looking forward to a future filled with more shared adventures. Her sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void for Knapp, who has yet to make a public statement as he grieves this devastating loss. The couple’s story, though tragically brief, was a remarkable testament to partnership and unwavering support.
You Might Like: How Is Assata Shakur Related to Tupac Shakur?
A Supportive Presence and a Life of Her Own
Makena White was far more than just the girlfriend of a professional athlete; she was a charismatic and accomplished individual with a life full of her own passions. A native of Canada, she graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, with a degree that combined communications and software engineering. She built a career working as a representative for a company called LeMaitre.
Those who knew her described her as having a magnetic personality. A friend’s tribute posted to her Instagram highlighted this, saying, “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.” This sentiment was echoed by CBS Sports golf personality Amanda Balionis, who commented that getting to know White was “one of my favorite parts of this last year,” noting her laughter, passion, and the ease with which she connected with people.
Her relationship with Jake Knapp became public knowledge after his breakthrough victory at the Mexico Open in February 2024, a win she was there to celebrate with him. She humorously marked the occasion on Instagram by asking, “Does it still count as a hard launch if NBC saw it first?” From that point on, she became his most visible supporter, frequently traveling to watch him compete. She was by his side when he shot a bogey-free 59 at the Cognizant Classic earlier in 2025, proudly sharing in his incredible achievements.
Beyond golf, White was an avid fan of the Ottawa Senators and, in October 2024, accomplished a personal goal by completing a half-marathon, an achievement Knapp celebrated by telling her he was “so so so proud of you!” . She was also a devoted dog mom to her two pets, Nelly and Fergie, who were specifically mentioned in the announcement of her passing.
A Love Celebrated and a Legacy Honored
The bond between Makena White and Jake Knapp was clearly one of deep affection and mutual admiration. Her Instagram feed was a chronicle of their time together, filled with photos from various tournaments and heartfelt captions. Her final post, dated August 11, 2025, served as a touching tribute to Knapp as he concluded his second season on the PGA Tour.
She wrote, “Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams… 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.” Jake Knapp’s simple response of two red heart emojis spoke volumes about their connection.
Just a few months earlier, for his birthday in May, she called him “my very best friend,” adding, “No matter where our crazy adventures take us, you make every place feel like home.” These public declarations now stand as poignant reminders of a loving partnership cut tragically short. In the wake of her passing, her friends and family have suggested a way for those who knew her and the public to honor her memory. Instead of flowers, they have asked for donations to be made to two causes close to her heart: the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.
The first organization held personal significance, as White’s mother, Crystal, had been a patient there after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before passing away in 2022. The second fund supports underfunded pediatric cancer research in Ontario, a testament to White’s caring nature. The announcement of her death concluded with a promise that resonates with anyone who knew her: “We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”
