The girlfriend of American golf star Jake Knapp posted an emotional message celebrating their love, just weeks before her sudden death at 28.
On the opening day of the Ryder Cup, it was confirmed that Knapp’s girlfriend Makena White had passed away – with no details regarding cause of death revealed.
Tributes for White have flooded social media and, as fans come to terms with her tragic death, some pointed to an emotional message she recently wrote for Knapp.
In an Instagram post last month, she said: ‘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’. In response, Knapp commented two ‘heart emojis’.
The post had some heartwarming pictures of the couple throughout the season – with the final one showing her lipstick marks on one of his course guides.
Makena White, the girlfriend of American PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp, has died aged 28
Prior to her death, White shared a touching post about her relationship with Knapp
The tragic news will undoubtedly have shaken American star Knapp and the thousands of fans who have followed his journey through the sport.
The news was confirmed via a post on her Instagram, which read: ‘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.
‘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.’
‘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.
‘We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset’.
Knapp and White went public with their relationship after the golfer got his first PGA Tour win last year at the Mexico Open in February. They had been dating since August 2023.
White was a native of Ottawa, Ontario, and graduated with degrees in communications and software engineering in 2019 from McMaster University.
She worked in surgical sales – primarily providing equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons.
Knapp and White went public with their relationship after his first PGA Tour win last year
The 28-year-old worked in surgical sales and was an avid sports fan
The final picture in her heartbreaking post showed her lipstick marks on his course guide
Beyond her work, White was an avid sports fan – especially hockey where she cheered for her hometown Ottawa Senators.
White once said that she was a good golfer as a kid, ‘But from 16-21 I picked up a club maybe 5x total, I had no interest.’
But after falling in love with Knapp, she was said to have rediscovered her interest in the sport.
Knapp turned pro in 2016, playing on PGA Tour Canada from 2016-2019 and then again in 2022. He also took part in the Korn Ferry Tour in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
He earned his PGA Tour card in 2024 – winning his first event on the tour in just his fifth start.
