Jake Knapp Girlfriend: In the world of professional golf, few stories capture the heart like the romance between PGA Tour rising star Jake Knapp and his girlfriend, Makena White. As fans search for insights into “Jake Knapp girlfriend” amid his impressive career, the recent tragedy of Makena’s passing at just 28 has left the golf community in mourning. On September 26, 2025, a close friend announced Makena’s sudden death on her Instagram, describing her as “one of a kind” and a source of endless joy. Their two-year relationship, filled with fairway hugs, tournament cheers, and unbreakable support, became a beacon of love in the high-stakes world of pro golf. This post honors Makena’s vibrant life, explores their inspiring bond, and reflects on the legacy she leaves behind. While the circumstances of her passing remain private and heartbreaking, her spirit continues to shine through tributes from those who knew her best.
Table of Contents
Who Is Jake Knapp? The PGA Golfer Behind the Spotlight
Jake Knapp, born in 2000 in California, has quickly risen as one of golf’s most exciting young talents. Turning pro in 2022 after a stellar college career at UCLA, Knapp earned his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour. His breakthrough came in February 2024 at the Mexico Open, where he clinched his first PGA victory in dramatic fashion, birdieing the final hole to edge out out Björn Höland. This win not only skyrocketed his profile but also marked a pivotal moment in his personal life, as Makena White was there to celebrate, her ecstatic reaction going viral on social media.
Knapp’s game is defined by precision and power—averaging over 300 yards off the tee with a knack for clutch putting. In 2025, he set a course record with a stunning 59 at the Cognizant Classic, hugging Makena on the fairway in a moment frozen in time. Off the course, Jake is known for his humility and dedication to mental health advocacy, often sharing how design sprints from his pre-golf days at Google Ventures shaped his focused mindset. Fans googling “Jake Knapp dating” often uncover not just his scores, but the supportive partner who grounded him amid the tour’s pressures. Makena’s presence at events like the Mexico Open and Cognizant Classic highlighted their partnership, making her more than a girlfriend—she was his biggest cheerleader.
The Serendipitous Love Story of Jake Knapp and Makena White
Jake Knapp and Makena White’s romance began in August 2023, a chance connection that blossomed into a profound partnership. As Knapp navigated the Korn Ferry Tour, he met the Ottawa native through mutual friends in the sports world. Their “hard launch” onto the public stage was accidental and endearing: Makena once joked about being “outed” for playing hooky from work to attend a tournament, turning a private getaway into headline news.
Over two seasons, their bond deepened with shared adventures—from cross-country flights to tournament sidelines. Makena’s unwavering support shone brightest after Jake’s Mexico Open triumph, where she captured hearts with her unfiltered joy. “Watching you live out your dreams… I looooove you sweet boy,” she posted in one heartfelt update, encapsulating their playful dynamic. They balanced the glamour of pro golf with quiet moments, like walks with her beloved dogs, Nelly and Fergie. Jake later reflected on her selflessness, noting how she made everyone around her feel seen. For those curious about “who is Jake Knapp’s girlfriend,” their story was one of serendipity, laughter, and mutual growth—a rare authenticity in celebrity relationships.
Makena White: A Vibrant Life of Passion and Professional Drive
Makena White wasn’t just Jake Knapp’s girlfriend; she was a force of nature from Ottawa, Canada, whose life blended intellect, adventure, and empathy. Born and raised in the nation’s capital, Makena graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with dual degrees in communications and software engineering—a testament to her analytical yet creative mind. She channeled this into a dynamic career in surgical sales at LeMaitre Vascular, where since 2021, she’s represented cutting-edge equipment for vascular and cardiac surgeons. Her LinkedIn profile brimmed with pride over empowering medical teams, reflecting a woman who thrived on impact.
An avid sports enthusiast, Makena bled red for the Ottawa Senators hockey team and rediscovered golf through Jake, trading rink-side cheers for fairway follows. Her outgoing energy lit up rooms, as friends recalled her “healthy sprinkling of chaos” and ability to spark joy amid travel-packed days. Personally, she honored her late mother, Crystal, who passed from Alzheimer’s in 2022, by supporting brain health initiatives like the Bruyère Clinic. Makena’s world included her two furry companions, Nelly and Fergie, who were as much family as her dad and tight-knit circle. At 28, she embodied possibility—fierce, fun, and forever grateful—leaving a blueprint for living boldly.
Tributes and Enduring Legacy: The Golf World’s Heartfelt Goodbye
News of Makena’s passing on September 26, 2025, sent shockwaves through golf, prompting an outpouring of love. Jake broke his silence in a poignant statement to PEOPLE: “Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness… is something I will always appreciate… It’s a tough reality to comprehend.” Her friend’s Instagram announcement urged donations to memory clinics in her honor, emphasizing her gift for making others feel special.
Tributes flooded in: CBS reporter Amanda Balionis shared, “Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts… I will miss her light.” Podcaster Dan Rapoport called her “what a light she was.” As Jake returns to the tour, Makena’s legacy—of love, laughter, and living fully—endures, inspiring fans to cherish connections. In searching “Jake Knapp girlfriend,” we find not just a name, but a story of profound influence.
In Makena’s memory, let’s celebrate the love she shared with Jake and the world. Her sunset chases continue in every heartfelt hug on the course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Jake Knapp’s girlfriend?
Makena White was the devoted girlfriend of PGA golfer Jake Knapp. The 28-year-old from Ottawa supported him through major wins, including the 2024 Mexico Open.
2. How long did Jake Knapp and Makena White date?
They began dating in August 2023, sharing nearly two years of adventures, tournament cheers, and deep connection before her tragic passing.
3. What was Makena White’s profession?
Makena worked in surgical sales at LeMaitre Vascular, specializing in equipment for vascular and cardiac procedures, after earning degrees in communications and software engineering from McMaster University.
4. How has the golf community responded to Makena White’s death?
The community has rallied with heartfelt tributes, including statements from Jake Knapp and figures like Amanda Balionis, encouraging donations to brain health causes in her honor.