Kai Trump Set for LPGA Debut with Tiger Woods’ Guidance
Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is preparing to make her highly anticipated debut on the LPGA Tour this week. The young golfer, who received a sponsor's exemption to compete at The Annika tournament in Florida, is stepping into the professional spotlight with support from some very high-profile figures in the world of golf.
Despite being an amateur ranked 461 in the American Junior Golf Association, Kai is not short on guidance. She has received advice from none other than 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, who is also her step-grandfather through his relationship with her mother, Vanessa. “He is the best golfer in the entire world, and an even better person,” Kai said. Woods encouraged her to enjoy the experience and “go with the flow,” advice that has clearly bolstered her confidence heading into the event.
Also Read:Kai’s grandfather, Donald Trump, is a passionate golfer himself, and although he cannot attend the tournament due to his commitments, he has offered words of encouragement. “Just don’t get nervous,” he told her. Kai described her grandfather as “just a normal grandpa” and explained that while he runs the country, their shared time on the golf course has been both competitive and fun.
In addition to Woods and her grandfather, Kai’s support system on the course will include Allan Kournikova, younger brother of tennis star Anna Kournikova, who will serve as her caddie. The duo has trained together extensively at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, focusing especially on shots around the greens, a key skill for the challenging Pelican Golf Club course.
Kai is expected to compete against some of the biggest names in women’s golf, including world number two Nelly Korda, England’s Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson, and 2023 champion Lilia Vu. Her presence at The Annika has been noted for drawing younger audiences to the sport, thanks to her substantial social media following of over six million fans. She has also launched her own apparel and lifestyle brand, further increasing her visibility.
Beyond her LPGA debut, Kai is also officially part of the University of Miami’s women’s golf signing class. She had committed to the Hurricanes last year, and her inclusion is expected to bring considerable attention to the program. Hurricanes coach Janice Olivencia praised Kai’s competitive spirit and dedication to personal growth, emphasizing that she will bring energy and excitement to the team while maintaining composure amid the spotlight.
Kai Trump will tee off on Thursday at 17:30 GMT, embarking on a journey that blends youthful enthusiasm, family support, and mentorship from one of golf’s greatest legends. Her debut is more than just a tournament appearance—it’s a moment watched by fans around the world, marking the start of her path in professional golf.
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