With the Trump name, Kai Trump makes waves at her first LPGA appearance—not just for her game, but for the attention she brings.
The LPGA Tour welcomes a new face this week. Kai Trump, 18 years old and granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is making her professional debut at “The Annika driven by Gainbridge” in Belleair, Florida. Before heading to college next fall, the high school senior received a sponsor’s exemption to compete in one of the LPGA season’s biggest events. Though she plays as an amateur, she brings maximum media exposure with over nine million social media followers. Tournament organizer Dan Doyle Jr. called it a ‘door-opener for new audiences.’ With a name like Trump, visibility is guaranteed.
Teenage Trump in the LPGA Spotlight
The invitation came from the host club and sparked plenty of debate. Kai Trump wasn’t selected for her results—ranked 461 in the junior rankings—but for her reach to an audience that rarely watches the LPGA. Her massive following on Instagram and YouTube delivers exactly what Doyle Jr. hoped for: attention. ‘A sponsor invite should make an event more visible,’ he said. And it worked. Rarely has there been so much buzz ahead of an LPGA event.
Between Graduation, Social Media and Short Game
Trump handled the spotlight with notable composure. At her press conference, she spoke candidly about her weaknesses—short chips, tricky greens, nerves. ‘I’m a good ball-striker,’ she said, ‘but I need to improve around the greens.’ Her goal is to learn. She finished last at the recent Junior Invitational—24th out of 24—but sees it as progress. ‘I learned a lot about my game,’ she said. Before arriving in Belleair, she sought advice from two big names: Tiger Woods—now dating her mother Vanessa—and her grandfather Donald Trump. Both told her the same thing: ‘Have fun.’ The former president won’t be attending. ‘He’s busy,’ Kai said dryly. ‘But he told me to just play and enjoy it.’
‘Give This Girl a Chance’
Annika Sörenstam, the tournament host, knows the controversy of special invites—she played in a PGA Tour event in 2003. She supports Kai Trump’s inclusion: ‘She brings attention to women’s golf—that aligns with our mission.’ Sörenstam played nine holes with Trump on Monday. The 18-year-old asked technical and tactical questions—not small talk, but genuine interest. ‘I wanted to know how she hits certain shots,’ Trump said. For Sörenstam, it’s clear: ‘She should feel welcome here. Give her the chance to show what she can do.’