Featured Image Credit: makenawhite91/IG
Topics: Golf
Luke Davies
Topics: Golf
The girlfriend of American golfer Jake Knapp has died aged 28.
The world of golf has paid tribute to Knapp’s girlfriend, Makena White, on the opening day of the Ryder Cup after the news of her passing emerged.
PGA tour golfer Knapp and 28-year-old White first made their relationship public in 2024 following the Mexican Open – although they had been dating since 2023.
White was born in Ottawa, Canada and graduated with a communications and software engineering degree from McMaster University in 2019 before going on to work in sales - mostly providing equipment to cardiac and vascular surgeons.
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She was also a keen sports fan and was a fan of her hometown hockey team, the Ottawa Senators.
Further details on her death are still unclear, but a statement posted to White’s Instagram page confirmed the tragic news.
The statement read: “Hi everyone - this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week. She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie.
“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.
“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.
“We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”
Several tributes have since poured in with CBS Sports golf personality Amanda Balionis commenting: "Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts of this last year. So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light… it touched so many."
White had previously explained how she lost interest in golf despite being keen on the sport as a child before once again becoming interested since meeting Knapp.
Knapp has yet to comment on his girlfriend's death.