Who Was Makena White? What to Know After Golfer's Girlfriend's Death

Published: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 5:44 pm

Golfing World Mourns the Loss of Makena White, Girlfriend of PGA Tour Golfer Jake Knapp

The golfing community is in mourning following the death of Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp. White, 28, passed away earlier this week, as announced on her Instagram account by a friend. The news broke as the golf world converged for the Ryder Cup.

White's presence in the golfing world was significant. She was a visible and well-liked figure, regularly attending Knapp's tournaments and sharing his professional journey on social media. Her support for Knapp was evident, including her presence at his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open in February 2024. White's social media presence, with over 14,000 followers on Instagram and 9,000 on X, reflected her growing popularity among fans.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, White studied communications and software engineering at McMaster University. After graduating, she worked at Lemaitre, contributing to the company's medical device operations. Her career and relationship with Knapp led to extensive travel, including trips to Mexico and Scotland.

The cause of White's death has not been publicly disclosed, with both Knapp and her family requesting privacy. Tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and members of the golfing community, highlighting her impact on those around her. Knapp expressed his grief, stating that they shared many unforgettable memories. Friends and colleagues have remembered her for her warmth, energy, and ability to make others feel special. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to donate to the Bruyre Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.

BNN's Perspective: The outpouring of support and the privacy requested by the family underscore the importance of respecting personal grief during times of loss. While the circumstances surrounding White's death remain private, the impact she had on the golfing community is undeniable.

Keywords: Makena White, Jake Knapp, PGA Tour, death, golf, Ryder Cup, social media, tributes, Mexico Open, Ottawa, Canada, McMaster University, Lemaitre, Bruyre Brain Health & Memory Clinic, Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.

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