Summary
BELLEAIR, Fla. (AP) — Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, is ready to fulfill her childhood dream of being in the spotlight. This week, she'll make her LPGA debut during the Annika tournament at Pelican Golf Club. At 18, the high school senior already speaks like a pro, handling a 12-minute press conference with poise.
“I think I’ll learn a lot no matter what happens,” Kai Trump said. “I’m going to go out there and have fun, and see how it plays out. Competing against the best players will be amazing. Being inside the ropes with them, playing and learning about their shots and how they carry themselves on the court. I’m really excited about it and about playing with the best.”
She started playing golf at age 2 and has decided to attend the University of Miami. She received one of three sponsor waivers for the tournament, which are typically awarded to players who can help promote women's golf. She also boasts over 9 million followers on social media. WNBA star Caitlin Clark will also participate in the tournament's pro-am.
Key details
“The idea behind the exemption, looking back at the history of these, is to draw attention to an event,” explained Dan Doyle Jr., owner of Pelican Golf Club. “She’s a lovely speaker and has brought in a lot of viewers through Instagram and other platforms who don’t normally watch women’s golf. We’re seeing that interest now on Instagram and social media, which has created quite a buzz alongside the other great players we have here.”
Trump played half the course with legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam, the tournament host, on Monday. Sorenstam recalled how she received a controversial invitation to play on the PGA Tour in 2003, which transformed casual spectators into experts with strong opinions. “Kai brings a lot of different people to the sport, and we want people to hear about our tournament and participate in it,” Sorenstam said. “The word is spreading, and I think that’s positive. Remember, the ANNIKA Foundation is a beneficiary here, and we’re focused on empowering women. This aligns with our mission. We’re very excited for the week.”
During their time on the course, Trump asked Sorenstam for some advice. “It was incredible,” he said. “I asked her some questions about her swing and what she should do differently. I also asked her about playing around the greens, because it’s tricky and you can make different shots. It was great to meet her; she’s a legend, and playing nine holes with her was an honor.”
Statements and context
However, her grandfather won't be there to watch her play this weekend. "He's very busy running the world," Trump commented. "To me, he's always been a normal grandfather." Although she plays with the former president, she didn't reveal who wins. "He's pretty good. We have close games. I can't say much," she added. "We play a lot and have fun. We're always on the same team."“
Grandpa's advice? "Have fun and don't get nervous," she said. Tiger Woods also gave her some advice. "He's the best golfer in the world, and an even better person," she said. "He told me to go out there and have fun, to go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens."“
Trump's best result was a runner-up finish at a Hurricane Junior Tour event. At the Junior Invitational in Sage Valley, he finished last, 52 over par. He is currently ranked 461st by the American Junior Golf Association. “What I love most about golf is that it’s challenging. You’re never going to be at 100%, and there’s always something to work on,” he said. “That’s what keeps me coming back to play and practice golf.”
What's next?
Kai Trump gained notoriety for her speech at the last Republican National Convention, where she talked about having a "normal grandpa" who gave her soda and candy when her parents weren't looking. She is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr.
