Makena White, Jake Knapp’s girlfriend, dies at 28 after chronic heart issues

Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour pro Jake Knapp, died this week at age 28, her passing announced by a friend on Instagram. Knapp, who is not on the United States Ryder Cup team this week, released a tribute describing White as thoughtful and selfless as golf's calendar arrived at the Ryder Cup and the sport mourned the loss of someone who had become an important part of his life. White’s death underscores the seriousness of heart conditions that can affect younger adults, a concern highlighted by her public posts about heart health in the months leading up to her death.

White had publicly shared health concerns in several social media posts. In June, she followed Knapp’s performance during US Open qualifying with a post captioned We're dialled #GolfsLongestDay, then posted a second image showing a heart rate of 133 beats per minute on her Apple Watch, adding that she meant tachycardic by dialled. In May, she appeared wearing a Holter monitor, which records heart activity, and wrote about being at a cardiac surgery conference while monitoring her own heart defect. An April post suggested she had undergone a medical procedure. The posts collectively painted a picture of ongoing heart issues that White discussed openly with her followers.

White, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, held degrees in communications and software engineering from McMaster University, earned in 2019. She worked in surgical sales, supplying equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons. She and Knapp began dating publicly after his Mexico Open win in February 2024, and their relationship had become part of his life on and off the course. The couple had posted affectionate messages about each other, including a late-season post in which White wrote to Knapp about shared memories and future moments together. Knapp replied with heart emojis, a sign of their connection that fans followed closely during his season.

Tributes poured in from across the golf world after White’s death was confirmed on Friday by a friend on Instagram. Knapp issued a statement to Page Six expressing his grief and asking for privacy for White’s family as they navigate the loss. He described White as thoughtful and selfless and said the difficult time would be made harder by the desire of her family and friends to heal in private. Several colleagues and golf writers highlighted her warmth, energy and the impact she had on people who met her, with CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis noting that White never met a stranger and Dan Rapoport calling her a bright light.

.Public health context and caution are warranted as the golf world processes the loss. Tachycardia, the medical term for a heart rate over 100 beats per minute, can be harmless for some people but may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Mayo Clinic guidance notes that while tachycardia may not produce symptoms or complications in every case, it can be a warning sign for heart problems and, in some forms, can lead to heart failure, stroke or sudden cardiac death if left untreated. The exact cause of White’s death has not been released, and authorities have not yet disclosed a medical diagnosis.

White’s family has requested privacy as the investigation continues and the golf community mourns her loss. In recent days, Knapp’s public responses have reflected both heartbreak and gratitude for the memories they shared, including public expressions of love and appreciation for the life they built together during a time when his career continued to rise.

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The broader conversation around young adults and heart health has gained renewed attention in light of White’s passing. Medical professionals emphasize that even in the absence of obvious risk factors, heart conditions can emerge and progress rapidly. Community health advocates urge individuals and families to seek prompt evaluation for persistent symptoms such as dizziness, chest discomfort, or unexplainable changes in heart rhythm, and to engage in regular medical checkups that include cardiovascular screening when indicated.

White’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, while Knapp and the golf community continue to reflect on the life she led off the course. As more information becomes available, it will likely inform ongoing dialogue about cardiac health awareness, the risks faced by young adults, and the importance of early detection and treatment for heart conditions that may not present with obvious warning signs.

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Her friends and teammates are continuing to honor White’s memory with messages about her kindness, humor, and the way she brightened those around her. The golf world, which has already faced a string of high-profile losses, remains committed to supporting Knapp and White’s family as they navigate privacy needs and public expressions of sympathy during this period of mourning. [IMAGE: ]