In the fast-paced world of professional golf, where every swing counts and the spotlight shines bright, few stories touch the heart like the one unfolding now. PGA Tour player Jake Knapp, a rising star from California, is facing his toughest challenge off the course: coping with the sudden loss of his girlfriend, Makena White. At just 28 years old, Makena left this world earlier this week, leaving behind a trail of warmth, laughter, and unbreakable love that touched everyone around her.
The news broke on September 26, 2025, right as the excitement of the Ryder Cup was building. A close friend shared a moving message on Makena's Instagram, painting a picture of a woman who lit up rooms and lives. "Makena was one of a kind," the post read. "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." It ended with a promise to look for her in the sunset, a nod to the adventures they shared under endless skies.
Makena, originally from Ottawa, Canada, was no stranger to chasing dreams. She earned degrees in communications and software engineering from McMaster University in 2019, blending her sharp mind with a creative spark. By day, she worked in surgical sales, helping others in ways that mirrored her caring nature. But it was her love for life—and for Jake—that truly defined her. The couple started dating in March 2023, and by early 2024, they made it official on social media after Jake's big win at the Mexico Open. Photos from that day show them beaming with the trophy, Makena's pride shining as bright as the Mexican sun.
For Jake, a 31-year-old easygoing talent who once shot a stunning 59 at the Cognizant Classic, Makena was more than a partner—she was his cheerleader, his calm in the storm of pro golf. Her last Instagram post, from August 2, perfectly captured their bond. Alongside a snap from a tournament, she wrote about their second year together: "Watching you live out your dreams, my sweet boy." Jake's simple reply? Two red heart emojis, a quiet echo of the deep feelings they held. Friends say Makena's encouragement gave Jake the boost he needed during tough rounds, turning pressure into pure fun.
The golf community has rallied around Jake in this dark time. CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, who got to know Makena over the past year, shared her own sorrow online: "So much laughter, passion, and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light—it touched so many." Golf podcaster Dan Rapoport added, "What a light she was." Even as the Ryder Cup tees off—without Jake on the roster—these words remind us how one person's energy can ripple through an entire sport.
Details about what happened to Makena remain private, a choice that honors her memory and gives space for healing. In place of flowers, her loved ones suggest making a gift to a cause close to her heart, such as the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. These nods highlight her thoughtful side, always thinking of others, even in goodbye.
Through his manager, Jake opened up briefly to the Associated Press, his words raw and real: "It's difficult to process." He called Makena "thoughtful" and "selfless," someone whose energy he would forever cherish. In a world that often celebrates victories on the green, this moment shifts the focus to something deeper—the quiet strength it takes to grieve, to remember, and to carry on with a piece of someone's spirit tucked close.
Makena White may be gone, but her spark endures in the stories she leaves behind: the half-marathon she crushed in October 2024, the dogs Nelly and Fergie who adored her, and the love she poured into Jake and her family. As the sun sets on another day, it's easy to imagine her there, smiling, whispering, "Keep swinging, sweet boy." For Jake and all who knew her, that's the real win—one that no scorecard can measure.
In times like these, the game of golf feels small compared to the game of life. Our thoughts are with Jake Knapp as he navigates this pain, one breath at a time. Rest easy, Makena. Your light still guides the way.
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