Donald Trump’s 18-year-old granddaughter paid her dues in her first LPGA tournament appearance.
Kai Trump’s debut on the LPGA Tour ended in disappointment as the teenager finished last at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican tournament in mid-November. Despite not being her first public appearance, this outing was her first in a professional golf setting—and it proved to be a tough lesson.
Trump shot an 83 in the first round, placing her 108th and 19 strokes behind South Korea’s Haeran Ryu, the tournament leader. The high school senior received a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the event, marking her first appearance on the LPGA Tour.
Kai Trump reflects on LPGA debut
In a manner reminiscent of her grandfather, Kai Trump addressed her performance with a mix of candor and optimism. She admitted to being more nervous than expected and said many of her good shots simply landed in the wrong places. Her first round included two double bogeys and nine bogeys. Still, she noted that she held her own as the youngest player in the field. Her second round showed improvement, with a score of 75.
Weeks earlier, Kai had already made headlines by attending the Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Long Island alongside her grandfather, former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tiger Woods and Donald Trump as mentors
Donald Trump, a known golf enthusiast, often uses his own courses for both leisure and political meetings. Notably, he once negotiated tariffs with the European Union during a golf trip in Scotland. Now, Kai also benefits from the support of golf legend Tiger Woods, who has been dating her mother, Vanessa Trump, since early this year. With such high-profile mentors, it’s no surprise her debut attracted attention. Kai plans to continue her golf journey at the University of Miami, where she will join the Hurricanes team next year.
Influencer and political figure
Beyond the fairway, Kai Trump has built a significant following as a golf influencer. Her social media channels often feature her grandfather in a softer light, portraying him as a devoted grandfather and leader. These efforts have resonated with younger audiences, contributing to the success of the Republican campaign. Her public debut came during the Republican National Convention in summer 2024, where she praised her grandfather in a widely viewed speech. With over 7 million followers, Kai has become a powerful voice both in golf and politics.