PGA Tour Winner Jake Knapp Breaks Silence on Makena White's Death at 28
Knapp, 31, speaks to People after the death of his girlfriend Makena White; no cause has been released.
PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp has publicly addressed the death of his girlfriend Makena White, describing the loss as 'a tough reality to comprehend' in his first comment since her passing, a statement provided to People on Friday. The 31-year-old American golfer spoke with a measured, somber tone as he acknowledged the personal impact of White’s death while asking for privacy for those affected by the loss.
Knapp, who rose to prominence after winning the 2024 Mexico Open as a rookie, said the loss is difficult for everyone who knew White and that it has been a trying time for those close to her. "Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate," he said. "We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she's no longer with us, it's a tough reality to comprehend."
White's death was announced on her Instagram page earlier in the day by a friend writing in a post that Makena had "passed away earlier this week." The post said she is "already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by (her dogs) Nelly and Fergie." The message described White as having a "huge heart" and overflowing love, noting that the loss would be felt by a wide circle of people. "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 read.
White had been dating Knapp for two years, and their relationship went public after Knapp won the 2024 Mexico Open as a rookie, his only tour win to date. No cause of death has been released.
On Instagram in August, White marked their anniversary with a tribute that featured photographs from tournaments over the past year. "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."
Reactions to White's passing appeared in the comments section of her final post from golf insiders and colleagues. CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis described White as someone who "touched so many" and was "a light" in the sport, while Dan Rapaport, a well-known golf insider, wrote that getting to know Makena was "one of my favorite parts of this last year."
The timeline surrounding White's death remains private, and no additional details have been released by Knapp or White's family. The death was announced on Sept. 26, 2025, and Knapp's remarks to People on Friday represented his first public comments since then.
Knapp, a Raleigh, North Carolina native, is a 31-year-old American golfer who captured the Mexico Open title in 2024, a win that remains his lone PGA Tour victory. White's family and friends have asked for privacy as they cope with the loss, and there has been no formal statement from the tour or Knapp beyond the public remarks he shared this week.
The public notes about White and her relationship with Knapp illustrate a life intertwined with professional golf, travel, and the close-knit community that supports the sport. While the Tour has not issued any formal statement, Knapp’s supporters and fellow players have expressed their condolences through social media and interviews.
