Kai Trump has broken her silence after a rocky start to her LPGA Tour debut, where she landed in dead last place.
The 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump was handed a sponsor's exemption to play in The Annika, a $3.2 million LPGA tournament held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
Despite fierce backlash over her inclusion, the amateur golfer faced the spotlight head-on and admitted nerves got the better of her.
“I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there,” she told reporters, per The Telegraph. “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 score included nine bogeys, two double bogeys, and seven pars. At one point, she was spotted trying to escape a tunnel beneath a grandstand, and at another, she topped a drive, but rebounded with a four-foot par save.
“The whole time I was nervous without a doubt,” she added. “I thought I did pretty good for just first time, being the youngest player in the field. I had a great time out there.”
Kai Trump - the granddaughter of US President Donald Trump - has spoken out. Credit: Icon Sportswire / Getty
Why her invite caused a media firestorm
Kai's sponsor invitation immediately sparked controversy. Ranked No. 461 among junior golfers, she entered one of the LPGA’s most high-profile tournaments with little competitive experience. Her previous biggest event saw her finish 52-over across four rounds.
Critics slammed the decision, claiming more deserving players were snubbed. But the LPGA and Pelican Golf Club stood by the move, pointing to Kai’s massive online presence, more than six million followers on social media, and her potential to draw younger audiences to the game.
“Love it or hate it, it's getting people to talk about the event,” said Pelican’s COO Justin Sheehan.
LPGA Chief Operations Officer Ricki Lasky also defended the pick: “Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments and the LPGA.
“Kai’s broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences – especially among younger fans. We’re excited to see her take this next step in her journey."
Despite her lowly ranking, Kai’s group drew the biggest crowds on the course, thanks in part to a heavy Secret Service presence.
She teed off alongside former Women’s Open champion Hinako Shibuno and Germany’s Olivia Cowan, and her every move was watched.
Credit: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty
From club champ to LPGA invitee
Kai's golfing roots run deep. She’s the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, and has won the 2022 and 2024 Ladies’ Club Championships at Trump International in West Palm Beach.
She’s played in PGA Tour Pro-Ams and was even seen at the Ryder Cup last fall, posting blogs that racked up millions of views.
And it doesn’t stop there - her mother is currently dating Tiger Woods. The 15-time major winner gave Kai advice ahead of her LPGA debut.
“He told me to go out there, have fun, go with the flow,” she said. “He is the best golfer in the entire world, but I would say that! And he’s an even better person.”
As for her grandfather, the President wasn’t at the tournament. “He’s running the world right now, so a little busy,” Kai joked, but also gave her words of encouragement: “Grandpa pretty much told me to go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous.”
Kai Trump said her granddad, Donald Trump, told her to "have fun". Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Annika Sörenstam, the tournament’s namesake and one of the sport’s most legendary figures, had a simple message: “Give this girl a chance.”
She continued: “To be 18 and hear all the comments, she must be super tough. I’m sure we can all relate what it’s like to get criticism here and there, but she gets it a thousand times.
"So that’s why I just want to give her a break, come out here and have fun. We want her to feel like family here and to feel welcome."
The 18-year-old has committed to Miami University’s golf program and is training full time in hopes of climbing the ranks.