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Amanda Balionis Heartbroken Over Jake Knapp's Tragic Loss

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 8:57 PM ET

CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis received devastating news this Friday involving someone she interacted with many times on the course this year.

Earlier this Friday, it was revealed that Makena White passed away at 28. She was dating PGA Tour star Jake Knapp. Back in February, she went viral after her boyfriend shot a bogey-free 59 in the opening round of the Cognizant Classic. That's because her reaction on the course was so authentic.

Unfortunately, the golf community lost White at such a young age. One of her friends released a statement on her Instagram this afternoon.

“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,” the post read.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Jake Knapp hugs his girlfriend, Makena White, while walking off the 18th green during the first round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort the Champion Course on February 27, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)Ben Jared/Getty Images

“If you would like to honor 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.”

After this tragic news was confirmed, Balionis left a heartfelt comment on White's final Instagram post.

"Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts of this last year," Balionis wrote. "So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light… it touched so many."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Makena White (@makenawhite91)

Fans praying for Knapp and White's loved ones.

As soon as this awful news was made public, golf fans offered their thoughts to White's friends and family members.

"I woke up and saw this this morning This is so sad, I enjoyed her quick whited posts on this platform & here sense of humour This is really sad. My condolences to Jake Knapp & all of the family," Ryan Mouque commented.

"RIP Makena… she had an amazing sense of humor and banter talking about Jake and other golfers. She will be sorely missed and I’m praying for Jake and her family to find peace and comfort in this awful time," one fan said.

"My goodness this is so sad," another person wrote. "Strength and Love to those closest to her."

No cause of death has been reported.

We're hoping the golf community continues to rally around White's loved ones at this time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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