Kai Trump Struggles in LPGA Debut, Reflects on Experience

Post by : Mara Rahim

Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump and daughter of Donald Trump Jr., made her LPGA debut at The Annika tournament. The 18-year-old amateur participated thanks to a sponsor’s exemption, a decision that generated extensive public discourse. She concluded her inaugural round with a score of 13-over-par 83, positioning her last on the leaderboard. Nevertheless, her appearance became one of the day’s most noteworthy events, attracting large crowds and media interest.

Trump commenced her round on the back nine, playing alongside former major champion Hinako Shibuno and Germany’s Olivia Cowan. As she arrived at the tee, she was greeted with cheers, and her opening drive drew applause. However, nerves soon took over as she bogeyed her first four holes, indicating tension in her short game and approach. She later admitted feeling more anxious than during her speech at the Republican National Convention.

Despite the rocky start, she managed to stabilize her performance with a par on the par-5 14th hole. The remainder of her round included a series of pars and bogeys, highlighted by an impressive up-and-down on the par-3 16th that drew enthusiastic cheers from the spectators. She completed her front nine at 41. Although her score was less than ideal, these brief moments of success hinted at her potential and adaptability following mistakes.

Trump had the support of her mother Vanessa and her future college coach Jim Garren from the University of Miami throughout her round. Their presence came just a day after she pledged to join the Miami golf team for the 2026–27 season. Her group attracted what Golf Channel commentators labeled as the largest gallery of the day, as supporters, critics, and curious onlookers flocked to follow her progress, a testament to the intrigue surrounding her invitation.

The LPGA broadcast concluded shortly after Trump finished her first hole, a surprise considering the level of public interest. Yet, fans continued to track her every shot, lining the ropes on nearly every fairway, which made the event feel significant despite her struggles on the course.

Her performance did not improve on the back nine. She dropped another shot right after the turn and encountered two double-bogeys. A particularly tough moment came at the par-4 eighth hole when she topped an iron, shocking the crowd, but followed it with her best shot of the day, landing within four feet of the hole. Even with this recovery, she concluded with two additional bogeys, wrapping up her round with a total of 83, the highest score of the tournament.

Post-round, Trump expressed that she felt nervous throughout but believed she managed the experience well for her first professional tournament. She reminded reporters of her status as the youngest player in the field and noted that the experience helped her “understand how it goes.” She plans to work on her weaknesses, particularly in her short game and putting.

Trump's involvement has sparked mixed reactions within the golf community. Some fans and analysts believe her inclusion added excitement, especially with WNBA star Caitlin Clark participating in the pro-am. Others raised concerns about whether someone ranked No. 461 in the American Junior Golf Association should occupy a slot in a crucial end-of-season tournament. Tournament host Annika Sorenstam defended the choice, urging people to “give this girl a chance.”

Club owner Dan Doyle Jr noted that Trump’s entry significantly boosted interest, particularly on social media, where she boasts over nine million followers. Trump also shared that she received advice from her grandfather, who told her to remain calm, and from Tiger Woods, who encouraged her to “go with the flow.”

While Trump faced challenges, the professional players showcased impressive performances, with South Korea’s Ryu Hae-ran leading the pack with a six-under-par 64. Australia’s Grace Kim trailed by just one stroke, with Jennifer Kupcho close behind at two strokes back. These strong scores emphasized the considerable gap between elite professionals and emerging amateur players.