Jake Knapp breaks silence on Makena White's death, family and golf world remember her

PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp has spoken publicly for the first time since Makena White’s death, describing the loss as a "tough reality to comprehend" in remarks to People magazine on Friday. The 31-year-old golfer said White was thoughtful and selfless, and he emphasized that the memories they created together will be something he holds onto as he processes the tragedy.

White’s death was announced on her Instagram page earlier Friday in a post from a friend who said she had passed away "earlier this week" and noted she leaves behind her father, her family, her friends, and her dogs Nelly and Fergie.

Knapp and White had been dating for about two years, a relationship that gained public attention after Knapp won the 2024 Mexico Open as a rookie, his first and only PGA Tour win. White’s social posts followed the couple as they moved from tournament to tournament, with appearances at events across the United States over the past year. In August, White marked their anniversary with a tribute that included the line, "Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams," and 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."

No cause of death has been released. The absence of a stated cause has left a pall over the golf community, which has begun to share memories and condolences in the wake of White’s passing. Dan Rapaport, a golf insider, commented on White’s impact, writing, "What a light she was." CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis also weighed in, praising White for her warmth and noting that she "never met a stranger" and would be missed for her laughter and energy.

The post commemorating White’s life drew sympathy from fans and players, with many leaving comments celebrating her generosity, travel enthusiasm, and the way she supported Knapp as he rose through the ranks. Those who knew White described her as a person with a huge heart and a contagious energy who balanced life on the road with a strong sense of family and friends. The responses reflected a sense that her presence extended beyond the relationships she shared with Knapp, touching a broader circle in the sport.

In the days since the news became public, Knapp’s representatives described his comments as a personal and private reflection on a life he says meant a great deal to him. The couple’s supporters have emphasized privacy for the family as they navigate this difficult period, underscoring the desire to let them grieve without outside interference or speculation about the circumstances surrounding White’s death.

The lens on White’s life is also a reminder of the human side of professional sports. While Knapp’s breakthrough win in 2024 and his ascent on the PGA Tour are part of his professional narrative, White’s presence on tour stops and in the public eye helped shape a more intimate chapter of a rising athlete’s career. Those who knew White say she brought joy and energy to every event she attended, leaving an impression on friends, fans, and colleagues alike.

As Knapp moves forward, the golf community is expected to remember White not only for the personal support she provided to him but for the life she led outside of the sport. Her social footprint — including public tributes and the affectionate descriptions shared by friends — highlighted a relationship that was valued by many who witnessed it, even as the public eye turned toward the pain of loss and the importance of privacy for those most affected.

Knapp, who turned professional in 2020 and earned his breakthrough major moment with the Mexico Open victory in 2024, remains a figure of interest for how he balances personal tragedy with a demanding tour schedule. The immediate focus, however, is on honoring White’s memory and giving space to those who mourn her passing. The family and White’s friends have requested privacy, asking that the public respect their process as they navigate the days ahead.