The opening day of the Ryder Cup, usually a time filled with energy and excitement for golf fans, took a devastating turn for the American golfing community.
News broke that Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour professional Jake Knapp, had tragically passed away at just 28 years old.
The announcement wasn’t made through official channels but instead came directly from White’s own Instagram account, where a close friend shared the heartbreaking update.
The Emotional Message Shared Online
The post read like a love letter to White’s memory. “Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week.
She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie,” the message began.
Her friend described her as “one of a kind” with “a rare way of making you feel special.”
The tribute spoke of her infectious laughter, her generosity, and even the chaos of her busy travel schedule that those closest to her tried to keep up with.
The post also asked that those wanting to honor her memory consider donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, two causes close to her heart.
Condolences Pour In
Though no details were given about her cause of death or where she was when she passed, tributes quickly flooded the comment section of the Instagram post.
CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis shared her grief, writing: “Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts of this last year.
So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light… it touched so many.”
Golf journalist and podcaster Dan Rapoport echoed those sentiments, writing simply, “What a light she was.”
A Love Story in the Spotlight
Makena and Jake Knapp had only recently begun to share their relationship with the public.
They went official not long after Knapp earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open in February 2024, though they had been together since August 2023.
Their bond was obvious on social media. One of White’s final posts celebrated Knapp’s season on the PGA Tour: “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 loooooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud.”
Who Makena Was Beyond Golf
White grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, and graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with degrees in communications and software engineering.
Professionally, she worked in surgical sales, supplying vascular and cardiac surgeons with critical equipment.
Outside of her career, she was a passionate sports fan, especially of hockey, where she proudly supported her hometown Ottawa Senators.
She admitted that she had once been a solid young golfer, though between the ages of 16 and 21 she barely picked up a club.
It wasn’t until her relationship with Knapp blossomed that she rediscovered her love for the game.
Jake Knapp’s Journey on the PGA Tour
Knapp, meanwhile, has been carving out his place in the professional golfing world.
After turning pro in 2016, he spent several years on PGA Tour Canada and had stints on the Korn Ferry Tour before finally earning his PGA Tour card in 2024.
His breakthrough came quickly—he won his very first PGA Tour event in just his fifth start.
Since then, he’s added three more top-10 finishes, including strong showings at the Cognizant Classic, the Rocket Classic, and the 3M Open.
He even secured a place in the FedEx Cup playoffs, though his run ended in Memphis at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Remembering Makena’s Impact
What shines through most in the tributes is how deeply Makena touched the people around her.
To those who knew her best, she was more than Jake Knapp’s partner—she was a source of joy, kindness, and laughter.
As her friend wrote in that final Instagram post: “To be loved by Makena was a gift… We love you Mak.
We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”