Date: Saturday September 27th, 2025
77° weather icon

Jake Knapp grieving the death of girlfriend Makena WhiteThe Associated PressFARMINGDALE, N.Y.PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp is grieving the loss of girlfriend Makena White. Knapp says in a message his manager shared with The Associated Press that it's difficult to process. A friend has posted an update on White's Instagram page that she died earlier this week. The details of the death have remained private. They had been together for two years and she was known for her energy. Knapp is an easygoing Californian who played at UCLA. He won his first PGA Tour title as a rookie last year in the Mexico Open. He describes White as selfless toward others.

Jake Knapp grieving the death of girlfriend Makena White
FILE - Jake Knapp, of the United States, and his girlfriend Makena White pose with his trophy during the award ceremony after winning the Mexico Open golf tournament in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Jake Knapp is grieving the death of his girlfriend of two years, Makena White, describing her as selfless toward others and filled with energy.

A friend of White posted on her Instagram page that she died earlier this week. The update did not mention how she died, and Knapp chose not to share details.

“It's an understatement to say how hard all of this is to process for everyone who knew Mak, especially her family and friends, who deserve privacy and respect during this difficult time,” Knapp said in comments his manager sent to The Associated Press.

Knapp, an easygoing Californian who played at UCLA, won in his rookie season on the PGA Tour last year at the Mexico Open. He also shot 59 earlier this year at the Cognizant Classic. White posted a picture of them from that tournament, noting last month it was their second year together of “watching you live out your dreams.”

“Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,” Knapp said. "We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she's no longer with us, it's a tough reality to comprehend.

“She had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us.”

___

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf