Eighteen-year-old Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, is making waves in the golfing world as she prepares for her professional debut at The ANNIKA tournament in Florida.
A Family Affair on the Fairway
During Wednesday's practice round at The Pelican Club just south of Clearwater, Kai's mother Vanessa Trump watched intently from the ropes. Vanessa, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr. and current girlfriend of golf legend Tiger Woods, maintained a close presence as her daughter navigated the course.
While Woods wasn't physically present at the practice session, his influence was strongly felt. Kai revealed she sought advice from the 15-time major winner before her professional debut. "He is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person," she gushed about Woods.
The golfing legend offered simple but profound guidance: "He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens."
Multiple Golfing Influences Shape Young Career
Woods isn't the only golfing heavyweight in Kai's corner. Her grandfather, President Donald Trump, himself a renowned golf enthusiast, has been a significant influence throughout her development. "My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don't get nervous. Try my best not to," she shared about the president's advice.
The Trump-Woods connection extends beyond casual advice. Kai has attended TGL events - the technology-infused golf league founded by Woods - and this year's Genesis Invitational through her mother's relationship with the golf icon. The families have grown closer, with Kai attending The Benjamin School in Florida, the same institution where Woods' children Sam and Charlie study.
Vanessa and Tiger reportedly bonded over their children's shared interest in golf, particularly Kai and Charlie's dedication to the sport.
Rapid Ascent to Professional Competition
Kai's participation in this penultimate LPGA event of the season comes through a sponsor's exemption, marking a significant leap in her young career. The tournament represents her first LPGA event, occurring even before she begins collegiate golf at the University of Miami, where she recently signed a letter of intent.
"It's really cool to say that I'm playing my first LPGA event and I'm only a senior in high school," Kai admitted, acknowledging the magnitude of the opportunity.
This professional debut follows her appearance at the Junior Invitational this spring, where she finished at the bottom of the leaderboard but gained valuable experience. "I didn't play so well but I think I learned a lot in that tournament not playing well," she confessed. "I learned a lot about my game, what I have to work on, where I have to be."
While her grandfather won't be among the crowds at The Pelican Club this week - "He's running the world right now, so a little busy," she joked - his presence is felt in her approach to the game. Kai describes their relationship as completely normal despite his global profile: "To me he's just a normal grandpa. Always has been. There is nothing different I would say."
The young golfer will put all her accumulated wisdom to the test when she tees off in Thursday's first round in Belleair, Florida, marking the beginning of what could be a remarkable professional golf career.
