Kai Trump to make LPGA debut at The Annika
The teenage granddaughter of US President Donald Trump has secured entry into one of professional golf’s most prestigious tournaments. Kai Trump, 18, will compete at The Annika in Florida from 13-16 November after organisers granted her a sponsor’s invitation, reports BritPanorama.
The $3.25 million event at Pelican Golf Club traditionally attracts the sport’s elite players. Defending champion Nelly Korda leads a field that includes world-class competitors such as England’s Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson and 2023 winner Lilia Vu.
The tournament represents the penultimate stop on the LPGA Tour calendar and ranks amongst the most significant competitions outside golf’s major championships.
The Florida high school student currently attends The Benjamin School in Palm Beach County. As the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr, she has committed to joining the University of Miami’s golf programme in 2026.
Her amateur credentials include participation in American Junior Golf Association tournaments across the nation. She presently holds the 461st position in the AJGA Girls rankings after competing in three events this season. The young golfer’s competitive experience extends to regional Florida tournaments. Her university commitment to the Miami Hurricanes represents the next phase in her golfing development before this unexpected professional debut opportunity.
Trump has cultivated an impressive digital presence with more than six million followers across social media platforms. The teenager recently established her own apparel and lifestyle venture targeting young female athletes. LPGA chief tour business and operations officer Ricki Lasky emphasised the significance of sponsor exemptions in showcasing emerging talent.
“Kai’s broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans,” Lasky stated. The organisation views Trump’s participation as an opportunity to expand the sport’s appeal to younger demographics. “We’re excited to see her take this next step in her journey,” Lasky added.
The tournament will also feature basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, who returns to compete in the pro-am for a second consecutive year. The WNBA star’s participation adds further celebrity appeal to the Florida event.
Trump expressed enthusiasm about her professional debut opportunity. “My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour,” she declared on social media. “This event will be an incredible experience. I look forward to meeting and competing against so many of my heroes and mentors in golf as I make my LPGA Tour debut,” the teenager added.
In the complex interplay of sport and legacy, Kai Trump’s entry into this high-profile tournament not only marks a moment for her personally but also serves as a reminder of how the game’s future can intersect with prominent family names, attracting interest from both fans and media alike.
