Pro golfer Jake Knapp is grieving the loss of his late girlfriend, Makena White, who died shortly before the September 2025 Ryder Cup, which Knapp is not competing in. White was just 28. A friend of White’s shared the devastating news of her death to her Instagram page on September 26, 2025.
“Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” the caption read. “She is already so deeply missed by her dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie.”
Calling White “one of a kind,” her friend added that 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.”
CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis commented her condolences under the Instagram post. She wrote, “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.”
Below, we break down what we know so far about White, her relationship with Knapp and her untimely death.
