Nervous Start for Trump's Granddaughter on Professional Fairway
Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of former US President Donald Trump, faced a baptism of fire in her professional golf debut, finishing the opening round of The Annika tournament in last place. The amateur golfer, playing on a sponsor's exemption, carded a challenging 13-over-par 83 at the Pelican Golf Club in Florida on Friday 14 November 2025.
A Debut Defined by Nerves and Potential
Despite the high score, the youngest player in the field remained positive about her first LPGA Tour experience. "I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there," Trump reflected. She added, "I hit a lot of good shots just to the wrong spots. And obviously being my first LPGA event, now I kind of know how it goes."
Her debut began with applause from the gallery at the par-four 10th hole, where her opening tee shot found the fairway. Playing alongside Japan's Hinako Shibuno and Germany's Olivia Cowan, Trump started on the back nine but quickly encountered difficulties, bogeying her first four holes.
Round Analysis: From Early Struggles to Promising Moments
The 18-year-old, ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association, eventually secured a par at the par-five 14th. She showed flashes of her potential with an impressive up-and-down save at the 16th, reaching the turn at six-over 41. However, the back nine proved even more challenging for the debutante.
Trump's game unravelled after the turn with an immediate dropped shot, followed by two double-bogeys and two further bogeys over her final three holes. Despite the scorecard struggles, she maintained perspective: "The whole time I was nervous without a doubt. I thought I did pretty good for just first time, being the youngest player in the field. I had a great time out there."
Looking Ahead: University Commitment and Tournament Leadership
Trump's professional debut came just a day after the University of Miami announced her commitment to play golf for the Hurricanes beginning in the 2026-27 season, highlighting her promising junior career in Florida.
Meanwhile, South Korea's Hae Ran Ryu seized the tournament lead with an impressive opening six-under-par 64, one shot ahead of Australia's Grace Kim. American Jennifer Kupcho sat two shots off the pace, with world No 6 Charley Hull among a group a further shot behind at the event hosted by LPGA great Annika Sorenstam.
