US golf star Knapp has spoken of the heartbreak of losing his girlfriend Makena White, describing her sudden death as a “tough reality to comprehend.”
The 31-year-old had been dating White, 28, since August 2023. Her death was confirmed on Instagram on the opening day of this week’s Ryder Cup in New York, though no cause has yet been revealed.
Hours later, Knapp paid tribute to White’s “thoughtful” and “selfless” nature.
He said: "Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,' the PGA Tour golfer, who is not on USA's Ryder Cup team this week.
"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.
"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."
White came from Ottawa, Canada, and attended McMaster University where she graduated from in 2019 with degrees in communications and software engineering.
She had a career in surgical sales, providing equipment for heart surgeons.
The couple revealed their relationship to the world in February 2024 after a year of going out, when Knapp picked up his first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open.
On White's Instagram page, a friend announced her death with the post: "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 [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie.
"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.
"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. 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."
