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American golfer Jake Knapps girlfriend sent 'fairway hugs' love message in final post

Makena had been dating Jake for two years and she uploaded a poignant anniversary post just weeks before her sudden death was announced on Friday, leaving the golfing world in shock

[Makena wrote said the couple had celebrated two years of fairway hugs ]

Makena wrote said the couple had celebrated two years of fairway hugs (Image: PGA TOUR)

Tragic Makena White sent a love message to top US golfer boyfriend Jake Knapp in a heartbreaking final post before her sudden death. The poignant post uploaded to Instagram marked the couple's anniversary and celebrated two years of "fairway hugs".

She wrote: "Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams. Second season in the books forever grateful to be on this walk with you, heres to many many many more! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud."

Uploaded six weeks ago, it was the last post on her Instagram page before her death was announced by a friend on the social media platform.

[Makena's death was announced on Friday evening]

Makena's death was announced on Friday (Image: makenawhite91/Instagram)

Canadian-born Makena had been dating golf pro Jake since August 2023, but the couple only went public after he got his first PGA Tour win last year at the Mexico Open in February and the pair shared a tender kiss on the 18th green.

She called her boyfriend "so dramatic" after his initial putt to win fell agonisingly short of the hole, but she beamed when he sank the ball to claim the Open and the pair embraced to celebrate his big moment.

Avid sports fan Makena once said that she was a good golfer as a kid, but lost interest in her teenage years. However she rediscovered her passion for of the sport when she met Jake and fell in love.

[Makena shared the sweet post six weeks ago]

Makena shared the sweet post six weeks ago(Image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

On Friday, a friend took over her Instagram account to announce her sudden death. No other details regarding the cause of death or where Makena was when she died were revealed.

The pal wrote: "Hi everyone - this is Makenas 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. 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.

[Jake and Makena had been dating for two years ]

Jake and Makena had been dating for two years

"If you would like to honour Makenas memory, donations to the Bruyre Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund would mean a lot. We love you Mak. Well miss you always and well be looking for you in the sunset."

Her death has rocked the golfing world on the opening day of the iconic Ryder Cup tournament. Tributes poured in for Makena under the social media post, including from CBS Sports course reporter Amanda Balionis.

She said: "Getting to know Makena was one of my favourite parts of this last year. So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light... it touched so many."

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