The golf community and loved ones are mourning the sudden passing of Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour star Jake Knapp, who died earlier this week at the age of 28. The news was confirmed by a close friend in a heartbreaking post shared on White’s Instagram account on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
A Life Remembered: Kindness, Energy, and Support
Makena White, originally from Ottawa, Canada, was remembered by friends as “one of a kind” with a “huge heart” and a “rare way of making you feel special.”
- Career and Education: White graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with degrees in communications and software engineering and went on to build a career in surgical sales.
- Relationship with Jake Knapp: White and Knapp began dating in August 2023 and became known to the golf world in February 2024 when she shared a triumphant hug with Knapp on the 18th green after he secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open. Her last public post was a loving tribute to Knapp, celebrating the close of his second PGA season.
- Knapp’s Statement: In an exclusive statement shared with People magazine, Jake Knapp broke his silence, saying, “Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate. We shared so many unforgettable memories together, and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend.”
Tributes and Memorials
The news of White’s death sent shockwaves through the golf world, with many players, fans, and journalists sharing condolences and tributes for the young woman known for her bright presence.
- Memorial Donations: In the heartfelt announcement, friends asked those wishing to honor White’s memory to consider making donations to two causes close to her heart: the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. The Bruyère Clinic held a personal significance, as it was where White’s mother, Crystal, received treatment after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before her passing in 2022.
The entire community continues to offer support to her family and friends, including her father and her two beloved dogs, Nelly and Fergie, as they navigate this profound and sudden loss.
