Kai Trump, the US president's granddaughter and eldest child of Donald Trump Jr, opened her LPGA career with a 13-over-par 83 on Thursday at The Annika, finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard. The 18-year-old amateur, playing on a sponsor's exemption, struggled with nerves from the start, bogeying her first four holes.
Trump, who admitted she was more nervous than when she spoke at the Republican National Convention, reached the turn in 41. She mixed two more bogeys with a pair of pars on the front nine, including a sharp up-and-down at the par-3 16th that drew a roar from the gallery. Her mother, Vanessa, and University of Miami assistant coach Jim Garren walked inside the ropes, a day after Miami announced her commitment for the 2026-27 season.
The back nine brought more trouble, with two double-bogeys over four holes. On the par-4 eighth, a topped iron produced gasps, but she followed with a crisp shot to four feet despite looking into the sun. Two more bogeys left her at 83, the highest score of the day.
Trump's presence has divided opinion. Some analysts praised the buzz, while others questioned a player ranked 461st in the AJGA taking a spot in a field where professionals are fighting for season-ending accolades. Tournament host Annika Sorenstam defended the decision, urging critics to 'give this girl a chance.' Pelican Golf Club owner Dan Doyle Jr said Trump's exemption had driven a surge in attention.
Trump framed the week as a learning experience, citing advice from her grandfather to 'have fun, don't get nervous' and from Tiger Woods, who is dating her mother, to 'go with the flow.' South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran led after a six-under 64, highlighting the sharp standard of the event.
