The Heartbreaking Loss: 5 Essential Facts About Jake Knapp's Late Girlfriend, Makena White, And Their Legacy

The PGA Tour community and golf fans worldwide were recently struck by the deeply sad news regarding Jake Knapp’s personal life. As of late 2025, the American professional golfer is navigating a period of profound grief following the unexpected passing of his beloved girlfriend, Makena White. This article provides a comprehensive and respectful look at their relationship, Makena's life, and the legacy of support she left behind for the rising star.

This tragic update, which occurred in September 2025, has shifted the conversation from Knapp's burgeoning career highlights—like his maiden PGA Tour victory—to a focus on the personal strength and resilience he is now demonstrating. The following details aim to honor Makena White's memory and provide context to the significant role she played in Jake Knapp's journey.

Jake Knapp: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

Jacob Richard "Jake" Knapp is a professional American golfer known for his powerful game and distinctive mustache, who has quickly become a recognizable figure on the PGA Tour. His career trajectory has been one of steady, hard-earned success, establishing him as a compelling talent in the sport.

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• Full Name: Jacob Richard Knapp
• Born: May 31, 1994
• Age (as of late 2025): 31
• Birthplace: Costa Mesa, California, USA
• Education: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majored in History.
• Turned Pro: 2016
• Early Career: Spent several years honing his skills on the PGA Tour Canada (now the Fortinet Cup circuit) and the Korn Ferry Tour, grinding through the developmental circuits.
• PGA Tour Status: Earned his PGA Tour card for the 2024 season.
• Maiden PGA Tour Victory: Won the Mexico Open at Vidanta in February 2024, a breakthrough moment that catapulted him into the spotlight.
• Current Status: Active PGA Tour member.

The Relationship: Jake Knapp and Makena White’s Love Story

The relationship between Jake Knapp and Makena White, though relatively short, was a powerful and public display of mutual support, especially during Knapp's most significant career milestones. Their connection became a heartwarming story for golf fans, symbolizing the importance of off-course support for professional athletes.

1. A Private Start to a Public Romance

Makena White, a Canadian native from Ottawa, and Jake Knapp began dating in August 2023. For the first few months, their relationship remained private, allowing them to build a strong foundation away from the media spotlight. The couple made their relationship publicly known in February 2024, a moment that coincided perfectly with Knapp’s maiden victory at the Mexico Open at Vidanta. Makena was there to celebrate with him, sharing a poignant embrace that became one of the most memorable images of his breakthrough win.

Their visibility increased throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with Makena frequently seen cheering him on at various tournaments, including the Cognizant Classic, where Knapp shot a spectacular 59.

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2. Makena White: More Than Just a Golfer’s Girlfriend

Makena White was a successful professional in her own right. She was 28 years old at the time of her passing and had built a career in the demanding field of medical equipment sales. Specifically, she worked as a representative for a medical equipment manufacturer, specializing in surgical sales and frequently collaborating with surgeons. Her educational background included studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, after graduating from St. Joseph's. She was known to be an avid sports fan, particularly of her hometown hockey team, and had recently rediscovered her love for golf, which she often shared on social media.

3. Health Challenges and Open Advocacy

In the time leading up to her passing, Makena was open and candid about her struggles with significant health issues. She often used her social media platform to discuss her experiences, calling herself a "vascular and cardiac surgery nerd." She had shared that she was dealing with a "heart defect" and had been diagnosed with tachycardia, a condition that causes the heart to beat faster than normal. While the exact, official cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed, the details she shared about her heart-related challenges provide a poignant context to her unexpected passing.

The Tragic News and Knapp's Heartfelt Tribute

The golf world was shocked by the news of Makena White’s death in September 2025. Her passing was confirmed by a close friend on her personal Instagram account, sending waves of grief across the PGA Tour and fan communities.

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4. Jake Knapp's Words of Grief and Love

Following the tragedy, Jake Knapp broke his silence with a heartbreaking tribute to the woman he had dated for two years. He described Makena as "selfless toward others" and someone "filled with energy," underscoring the positive and vibrant impact she had on his life. Knapp’s statement highlighted the difficulty of processing such a sudden loss for everyone who knew her, emphasizing her thoughtful nature and the depth of their connection.

5. The Enduring Legacy of Support

Makena White's presence at tournaments was often cited as a source of strength for Knapp. She was his confidante, his biggest cheerleader, and a grounding force as he navigated the pressures of professional golf. Her legacy is one of unwavering support and a vibrant spirit that touched many within the small, close-knit PGA Tour family. As Jake Knapp continues his career, her memory is expected to serve as a powerful motivation, reflecting the short but impactful time they shared together. The outpouring of condolences from fellow players, golf organizations, and fans has demonstrated the collective sympathy and support for Knapp during this incredibly difficult period.