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American golfer Jake Knapp's girlfriend died aged 28 just before Ryder Cup

Makena White's life was cut tragically short on the eve of the iconic Ryder Cup tournament, leaving the golfing world in shock as tributes poured in for the 28-year-old

[Makena White has died aged 28]

Makena White has died aged 28(Image: makenawhite91/Instagram)

The world of golf was in mourning on the opening day of the Ryder Cup after it emerged the girlfriend of PGA Tour pro Jake Knapp had died aged just 28. Makena White's life was cut tragically short on the eve of the iconic tournament, her family said.

A social media post read: "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.

[Makena shared a kiss with Knapp when he won the Mexican Open last year]

Makena shared a kiss with Knapp when he won the Mexico Open last year(Image: PGA TOUR)

"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 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."

No other details regarding the cause of death or where White was when she died were revealed.

[Her death came as the world of golf celebrated the opening day of the Ryder Cup]

Her death came as the world of golf celebrated the opening day of the Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)

Tributes poured in for Makena under the social media post, including from CBS Sports course reporter Amanda Balionis, who 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."

Golf writer and podcaster Dan Rapoport said : "What a light she was."

Ontario-born Makena graduated with degrees in communications and software engineering in 2019 from McMaster University and worked in surgical sales, primarily providing equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons.

[The golfing world has been rocked by the sudden death]

The golfing world has been rocked by the sudden death(Image: Getty Images)

The avid sports fan stole the show last year when Knapp won the Mexico Open 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 first PGA Tour win.

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 Knapp and fell in love.

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