Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, is making waves in the world of golf as she prepares to make her LPGA debut at The ANNIKA tournament this week. At just 18 years old, Kai is already showing promise as an emerging talent in the sport, and much of her passion for golf can be traced back to the influence of her famous grandfather.
This spring, Kai Trump will be joining the University of Miami as part of their golf program, starting in 2026. Her journey to this point has been marked by a combination of family support, mentorship from some of the biggest names in golf, and a clear determination to carve out her own path in the sport. This week’s appearance at The ANNIKA tournament, held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, comes courtesy of a sponsorship exemption—an opportunity given to rising golfers to showcase their skills on a prominent stage.
Ahead of the tournament, Kai shared that she received a simple but meaningful piece of advice from her grandfather. Donald Trump encouraged her to “go out there and have fun” and to “just don’t get nervous.” This straightforward guidance reflects a supportive family environment that encourages her to enjoy the game and maintain composure under pressure.
Another influential figure offering advice to Kai is Tiger Woods, who is currently dating her mother, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Kai expressed high regard for Woods, calling him “the best golfer in the entire world” and “an even better person.” From him, she was advised to embrace the experience, “go with the flow,” and not stress about the outcome—advice that resonates with many athletes facing high-pressure tournaments.
Kai has also benefited from the mentorship of Annika Sörenstam, the legendary LPGA player who hosts the tournament. The two played a practice round together, during which Annika praised Kai’s eagerness to learn and improve her game. Kai spoke about discussing their tendencies on the course and how Annika shared insights about her own playing style. This kind of mentorship is invaluable for a young golfer looking to elevate her skills and understand the nuances of professional play.
Annika Sörenstam also acknowledged the unique pressures Kai faces, not just as a young golfer but as the granddaughter of a former president. Sörenstam noted the heavy presence of Secret Service agents around the tournament and expressed admiration for Kai’s inner toughness in dealing with constant public scrutiny. “I just don’t know how she does it honestly,” Annika remarked, highlighting the mental resilience required to compete while under such intense observation. She emphasized the importance of allowing Kai to enjoy the event and feel welcomed, encouraging others to “give this girl a chance.”
The ANNIKA tournament itself is a prestigious event on the LPGA calendar, with Nelly Korda as the reigning champion. Korda has won the event multiple times, in 2021 and 2022, setting a high standard for competitors like Kai who are stepping onto this stage for the first time.
Beyond the professional circuit, Kai has built a considerable following on social media, particularly through YouTube. She often shares videos of her golfing experiences, including clips of her playing alongside her grandfather at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., and attending major golf events like the Ryder Cup. For Kai, golf is a family affair, and she views her relationship with her grandfather through a personal lens rather than a political one. “I just don’t view it as him being the president. I view it as, he’s my grandpa. We’re gonna go out there and play golf,” she said in a recent interview. This down-to-earth attitude underscores her focus on the sport itself, rather than the political spotlight that often surrounds her family.
Kai’s ambitions are clear: she aims to turn professional and give her best effort to succeed in the competitive world of golf. Despite the challenges that come with her family’s high profile, she remains committed to honing her skills and making a name for herself on merit. “I'll try to do that and give it my best shot,” she affirmed.
Her grandfather, Donald Trump, has also been a visible supporter, attending events where Kai plays and sharing moments of their golfing experiences together. Photos and videos of the two at tournaments and golf courses highlight the shared passion that binds them, reinforcing how golf has become a meaningful link across generations in the Trump family.
As Kai Trump embarks on this exciting phase of her golfing career,