Makena White, girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp, dies at 28; final post honors milestone season

Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp, died Friday at age 28, with the news publicly shared on Instagram by a friend who posted condolences and described her as “one of a kind” and possessing a “huge heart.” The tribute noted that White could make people feel special and that her absence would be deeply felt by those who knew her. The friend’s post underscored the close circle surrounding White and Knapp, and it reflected the broader reaction across the golf world as fans learned of her passing.

White’s death comes as the golf community processes the loss of a partner who supported Knapp during his ascent on tour. Knapp’s camp released a statement through his manager, saying it is difficult to process the loss and asking for privacy and respect for the family during this time. The message emphasized White’s thoughtfulness and selflessness, noting that the couple shared many unforgettable memories and that the family would be afforded space to grieve.

Her final Instagram post, dated Aug. 11, celebrated Knapp finishing his second season. In the caption, White wrote: "Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams," and she added, "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." The post appeared to memorialize the days when the pair walked the course together and celebrated Knapp’s progress as a professional.

The social-media note painted a portrait of a couple whose journeys intersected across travel and competition, reflecting the kind of public attention that accompanies a life spent on a professional golf tour. The friend who shared the memorial post described White as someone who carried laughter, joy, and a touch of chaos in her travel schedule, a description that echoed the way fans and colleagues perceived her energy and devotion to Knapp’s career.

"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," Knapp’s manager wrote in the public statement obtained by The Associated Press. The manager’s remarks framed White as a central figure in Knapp’s life off the course, someone whose presence coincided with the milestones of his professional journey.

She had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us, the friend’s post had added, capturing the warmth that surrounded White and her circle. The note underscored the private nature of the family’s grieving process, with requests for space and respect during an intensely personal time.

Fox News’ Chantz Martin and The Associated Press contributed to this report. The coverage reflects the ongoing emphasis on the human side of professional athletes and the partners who travel with them through the demands and travel schedules of life on tour. The broader golf world, while focused on competition, paused to acknowledge White’s impact and the void her absence leaves among those who knew her best.

The public reaction to White’s passing and her final post illustrates how intertwined personal relationships and sports fame can be in the social-media era. In an industry where a single round or a single season can define a year, the loss of a partner who supported and inspired a player resonates beyond the ropes of the golf course. Knapp’s supporters and teammates privately offered condolences, and the golf community continues to honor White’s memory by sharing remembrances and expressions of sympathy across social platforms.

As the family processes this loss, the emphasis remains on honoring White’s life and the joy she brought to those around her. The public statements issued by Knapp’s representatives request privacy as the community navigates the aftermath and reflects on the couple’s shared chapters — travel, competition, and the everyday moments that connected two lives amid the demands of professional golf.