The golf community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp. Makena passed away earlier this week at just 28 years old, leaving behind her loved ones and Jake, whom she adored deeply. The news of her passing was confirmed by a close friend on September 26, 2025 — the same week the Ryder Cup began, making the moment even more emotional for everyone in the sport. CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis also paid tribute to her, saying that getting to know Makena had been one of her favorite parts of the past year and that she would truly miss her light.
Makena White was from Ottawa, Canada. She graduated from McMaster University in 2019, earning degrees in communications and software engineering. After her studies, she worked in surgical sales and was known among her friends for her warmth and kindness. Makena had a personal connection to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic, where her late mother received care before passing away in 2022. Friends described her as someone with a heart full of love, always spreading positivity wherever she went.
Makena and Jake Knapp began dating in August 2023. For the first few months, they kept their relationship private, but after Jake’s big win at the Mexico Open in early 2024, they went public. The moment when they hugged on the 18th green after his victory quickly went viral and showed the deep love between them. From then on, Makena was often seen cheering for Jake at his tournaments. She stood proudly by him during his record-breaking round of 59 at the 2025 Cognizant Classic, and their sweet bond was visible both online and in real life.
Makena’s last Instagram post, shared on August 11, 2025, just after Jake’s appearance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, showed how much she loved and admired him. She posted photos of them together and wrote a touching caption, expressing how grateful she felt to walk beside him through his journey in golf. She called him her “sweet boy” and said it was so easy to be proud of him. That post has now become a painful reminder of her love and the beautiful moments they shared.
Her passing was announced by a close friend on Instagram, who described her as truly one of a kind. The post encouraged people to donate to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund in her memory, as both were close to her heart. Makena will be remembered not only for her bright spirit and kindness but also for the love she shared with her family, friends, and her two beloved dogs, Nelly and Fergie. The cause of her death has not yet been made public, and Jake Knapp has not played competitively since August 10, 2025, as he continues to grieve her loss.