PGA Tour Golfer Jake Knapp Mourning Death of Girlfriend Makena White
White, 28, described as 'one of a kind' by those who knew her; donations requested to memory-focused clinics and funds
Pro golfer Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour player Jake Knapp, has died at age 28, a friend confirmed in a social-media post this week. The message conveyed the sadness felt by White’s family and loved ones and noted her dogs, Nelly and Fergie, as part of the circle she cherished. "Hi everyone — this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week," the post read. "She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie."
The announcement underscored White’s impact on those around her, describing her as someone who could make others feel special and whose large heart overflowed with love. "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."
The post also invited support for two charitable efforts in White’s memory: the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic in Ottawa and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. "If you would like to honour Makena’s memory, donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund would mean a lot." The note added that White’s family has longstanding ties to the clinic through her mother, Crystal, who began visiting in 2018 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; Crystal White died in 2022, according to the post.
No cause of death was disclosed, and Fox News Digital sought comment from Knapp’s representatives but did not receive an immediate response.
Knapp, who earned attention for notable rounds on tour, is not part of the U.S. team for the Ryder Cup in New York. The latest professional appearance cited in the notes was last month’s FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Public moments with White illustrated their relationship in golf circles. Photographs show the couple at major events, including the Masters Tournament in Augusta in 2024, where Knapp tied for 55th, and a 2025 Cognizant Classic image caption where Knapp was described as being congratulated by White after a reported course-record 59 in the first round of the event held at PGA National in Palm Beach, Florida. In May, White described Knapp as her "very best friend" on his birthday, a detail referenced by those who followed their appearances together at tournaments.
White’s family history with health challenges also shaped the narrative around her passing. Her mother’s long battle with Alzheimer’s, a$2018 diagnosis and a 2022 obituary post, has been cited as part of the broader context of the family’s health struggles.
The sporting world often follows the personal lives of players who are not always in the spotlight, but in Knapp’s case, White’s presence alongside him at events—along with the couple’s public expressions of affection and support—was a familiar sight on tour. The community mourns not only a partner to a professional golfer but a person described by friends as one who left an imprint on many with her generosity and warmth.
As the golf season continues, questions about Knapp’s schedule and participation in upcoming events may arise, but the immediate focus remains the memory and legacy of White. The sport’s community has a history of rallying around players in times of personal tragedy, and tributes and messages from peers and fans are expected to continue in the days ahead.
With respect to the public record, authorities or the family have not released additional details surrounding the death. Knapp’s camp has not issued a formal statement beyond acknowledging the loss through private channels, and observers will wait for any further guidance from family representatives or official tour communications. In the meantime, the golf world reflects on the dual narrative of a rising pro athlete’s career punctuated by significant personal loss.
Sports coverage will continue to monitor for updates on Knapp’s schedule and any statements from the family or Knapp’s team, while also honoring Makena White’s memory and the charitable avenues she supported. The notes provided reflect the timeline and the sentiment shared by those close to White and Knapp, emphasizing a personal story within the broader context of professional golf.