Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, endured a challenging start to her LPGA debut on Thursday, posting a 13-over-par opening round that left her in last place at the Annika tournament in Florida.
The amateur, ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association, finished four shots behind the next-closest player and 19 adrift of leader Ryu Hae-ran, who opened with a six-under 64. Trump received a sponsor's exemption to compete in the event, which features top players including two-time major winner Nelly Korda.
Speaking after her round, Trump admitted to nerves: 'I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there. The whole time I was nervous without a doubt.' She added that her grandfather, who was not in attendance, advised her to 'go out there and have fun. Just don't get nervous.'
Trump, who has over nine million social media followers, will join the University of Miami's Hurricanes for the 2026-27 season. The tournament's prize fund stands at £2.45 million ($3.25 million).
