The golf world is mourning the loss of Makena White, girlfriend of PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp. She passed away earlier this week at just 28 years old.
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Not the finish I wanted for my season but lots of things to be proud of this year. Already getting the gears turning on what work needs to get done this offseason. Thank you to everyone for all the love and support during this year. Next year, we go again. #LTD pic.twitter.com/1ob7aHQMOX
— Jake Knapp (@knapptime_LTD) August 11, 2025
The news was shared Friday in a post on Knapp's Instagram account, written by one of White's close friends.
"Makena passed away earlier this week," the message read. "She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie."
The tribute described White as "one of a kind," with a rare way of making people feel special. "Her huge heart was always overflowing with love," the post continued. "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." No cause of death was revealed.
Knapp, 31, won his first and only PGA Tour event at the Mexico Open in February 2023. Ranked No. 80 in the world, he and White had been dating for two years, going public with their relationship shortly after his breakthrough victory.
Just six weeks ago, White posted a heartfelt note to Knapp on Instagram. "Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams," she wrote. "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."
Condolences poured in across social media. CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis called White's presence "one of my favorite parts of this last year." Golf writer Dan Rapaport added simply, "What a light she was."
