The golf world has rallied behind US sportsman Jake Knapp, 31, following the death of his beloved girlfriend, Makena White, 28.
Makena’s passing was announced by her friend, who described her as ‘one of a kind’, on her own social media account on Friday.
The announcement read: ‘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 [her dogs].’
Jake Knapp’s late girlfriend, Makena White. Pic: Instagram
‘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,’ her friend continued.
‘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.’
Jake Knapp and Makena White. Pic: Instagram
‘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,’ Makena’s friend said of the late Ottawa native.
‘We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.’
Makena is believed to have first started dating PGA golfer Jake Knapp in August 2023, but the couple didn’t hard-launch their romance on social media until March 2024.
Jake broke his silence on his girlfriend’s passing in a statement to PEOPLE, saying ‘it’s a tough reality to comprehend’ that she’s gone.
Jake Knapp and Makena White. Pic: Instagram
The golfer’s statement read: ‘Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate.
‘We shared so many unforgettable memories together, and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend.’
Jake Knapp and Makena White. Pic: Instagram
‘She had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us,’ Jake continued.
American sports journalist Amanda Balionis was one of the first in the golfing world to pay tribute to Makena, writing: ‘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.’
Jake Knapp and Makena White. Pic: Instagram
Presleigh Schultz, the fiancée of US golfer Akshay Bhatia, commented: ‘So beautiful and sweet inside and out, you’ll be so missed. Prayers.’
Elsewhere, sports broadcaster Jeff Eisenband tweeted: ‘This is so heartbreaking. Makena White was such an awesome person.
‘Sure, she was hilarious here on Twitter, but in person, she was such a bright light, and the love her and Jake Knapp shared for each other was beautiful.’
