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PGA golfer Jake Knapp’s girlfriend Makena White has died at 28

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 2:20 PM ET

PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp’s longtime girlfriend Makena White has died.

On Friday, a message was shared on White’s Instagram account that was written by one of White’s friends. The message revealed that White died earlier this week at the age of 28.

“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 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.”

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A post shared by Makena White (@makenawhite91)

No cause of death was given.

White had been supportive of Knapp and was spotted rooting him on at numerous PGA Tour events. The two went public with their relationship in February 2024, but White had said they began dating in August 2023.

White’s most recent Instagram post was in August, when she paid tribute to the 31-year-old Knapp after his PGA Tour season came to a close.

“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 many more! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud,” White wrote.