Summary
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — For more than a year, Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, knew she wanted to attend the University of Miami and play golf for the Hurricanes. On Wednesday, Miami confirmed her inclusion in the women's golf signing class, coinciding with the first day of the NCAA's signing window for most sports.
Last week, Kai signed his letter of intent at a ceremony at his high school, located near his grandfather's Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach. However, due to NCAA rules regarding signing dates, Miami was unable to recognize his commitment until now. Kai's performance in college is uncertain, but what is certain is that Miami golf will receive significantly more attention.
“Any potential exposure is positive for Miami golf,” Hurricanes coach Janice Olivencia commented. “Our current team is comprised of a group of very mature and intelligent women. Therefore, we anticipate handling all the attention with great composure and enthusiasm.”
Key details
Kai Trump is part of a three-player draft class for the Hurricanes, along with Bella Dovhey from Orlando and Carlee Rogers from Tennessee. Olivencia noted that Dovhey “will bring a complete package” and that Rogers, one of the best junior players in her state, “will arrive in Coral Gables with a championship pedigree and an impressive record against some of the top junior competitors.”
In August 2024, Kai Trump, daughter of Donald Trump Jr., became engaged to Miami. This week, she makes her LPGA debut at The Annika tournament at Pelican Golf Club, where she explained at a press conference why she chose Miami: “I love the coaches. It’s close to home. It’s a great school,” she said. “I like the people there. My cousins went there too, so I know people who have gone. It’s a great university, and I’m excited to play for them.”
She is scheduled to begin her participation at The Annika on Thursday at 12:32 p.m. ET, playing alongside Hinako Shibuno of Japan and Olivia Cowan of Germany. The eldest of the former president's granddaughters is also a social media influencer; her behind-the-scenes video from election night has surpassed 5.1 million views on YouTube, and her video of her visit to the Ryder Cup with her grandfather has reached around 2 million views.
Statements and context
Kai also plays golf with her grandfather, who is known for his passion for the sport. “We play a lot,” Kai said. “We have a lot of fun.” Her LPGA debut came about thanks to a sponsor’s invitation. Annika Sorenstam, the tournament host and Hall of Famer, played with Kai and was impressed by her ability to ask questions. “I don’t know how she does it, honestly,” Sorenstam said. “At 17, listening to all the feedback, she must be incredibly strong inside. I’m sure we can all relate to what it’s like to receive criticism, but she takes it a thousand times more.”
Kai Trump is aware of her strengths and weaknesses on the course. She's a powerful hitter; even Sorenstam was impressed by her distance off the tee. However, her short game, which involves scoring around the green, is an area she's working on. “Kai will bring tremendous energy and excitement to Miami,” Olivencia said. “She's a multi-sport athlete with a strong competitive spirit and a true love for golf. Kai is very committed to her growth, both as a player and as a person, and her emphasis on development will take her to new heights.”
What's next?
The university hasn't revealed many details about what it will be like to have the president's granddaughter on campus, but the Hurricanes hope Kai's college experience will be as normal as possible. “Our team is very welcoming,” Olivencia said. “They trust us to continue inviting players into the program who will contribute in their own way, raising the level of this team. We're also fortunate to have a wealth of resources and support systems in Miami. This class will have access to what our current student-athletes have at The U from the moment they arrive on campus.”
