PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp breaks silence on Makena White’s death at 28
Knapp’s first public comments since White’s death; the couple had dated for two years; White’s death was announced on Instagram; no cause has been released.
Jake Knapp, the PGA Tour winner, broke his silence on the death of his girlfriend Makena White, 28, in his first public comments since her passing, calling it a "tough reality to comprehend" in remarks provided to People on Friday.
Knapp described White as a thoughtful, selfless person whose energy and care for others left a lasting impression. White's death was announced on her Instagram page earlier in the day: "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 (her dogs) Nelly and Fergie." It added that White leaves behind a huge circle of family and friends.
White had been dating Knapp for two years, with their relationship publicly acknowledged after Knapp's 2024 Mexico Open win as a rookie, his lone PGA Tour title.
Details about cause of death have not been released. In August, White shared a tribute to the couple's relationship on Instagram, writing, "Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams... Second season in the books — forever grateful to be on this walk with you, here’s to many many more! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud."
Reaction and sympathy came from across the golf world. Dan Rapaport, a prominent golf insider, wrote, "What a light she was." CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis said she got to know White and described her as full of laughter and passion who never met a stranger.
Knapp's public comments and White's Instagram posts provide a timeline of events. White's death was announced Sept. 26, 2025, and Knapp spoke publicly Friday. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
No cause of death has been released.
