Jake Knapp’s first PGA Tour victory Sunday at the Mexico Open wasn’t without a “dramatic” finale.
As the PGA Tour rookie looked to close out the par-5 18th at Vidanta Vallarta, his girlfriend, Makena White, looked on in anticipation of what was to come.
“This would be so sweet,” White told tournament personnel, according to footage captured by the Tour.
Makena White watches as boyfriend Jake Knapp seals his first-ever PGA Tour victory on Feb. 25, 2024, at the Mexico Open.PGA Tour/X
She covered her mouth as he made two putts on the 18th hole.PGA Tour/XEXPLORE MORE
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Knapp, 29, then cozied his birdie putt up just short of the hole before tapping in for the victory.
“So dramatic,” White quipped before the California native sunk his shot.
She then joined Knapp on the green, where the couple sealed the crowning moment with a kiss.
Jake Knapp putts on the 18th green during the final round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta at Vidanta Vallarta on Feb. 25, 2024.Getty Images
Jake Knapp holds his trophy while posing with girlfriend Makena White after his Mexico Open win.AP
Makena White and Jake Knapp kissed after his Mexico Open win on Feb. 25, 2024.AP
Knapp was leading by four strokes entering the final round, but struggled for much of the day as Sami Valimaki drew even with him.
The two — both in search of their first PGA Tour win — dueled on the back till Knapp took control in the final few holes.
Knapp’s win was essentially sealed when Valimaki hit his tee shot out of bounds on the final hole, taking a lot of pressure off Knapp.
“Twenty-nine years old and first win,” Knapp said following the career-first victory, “there are a lot of people who helped me along my way.”
White is among them, as she flew in from Canada for Sunday’s final round, where Knapp finished with an even-par 71.
The two have been dating for six months, according to the NBC broadcast.
“Even though I didn’t have my best stuff (Sunday), kind of doing it for (my grandfather) and everybody else who has been a part of my team and my family and everything for so long,” said Knapp of grandfather Gordon Bowles, who passed away last spring.
Jake Knapp is seen playing his shot during the final round of the Mexico Open on Feb. 25, 2024.Getty Images
Jake Knapp celebrated after his win at Vidanta Vallarta.Getty Images
“Keeping them in the back of my mind and just no quit, no surrender and just grind it out.”
In addition to banking $1,458,000 with Sunday’s win, Knapp, a former nightclub bouncer, punched his ticket to the Masters in April, followed by the PGA Championship in May.
