November 13, 2025, Belleair, Florida, USA: Kai Trump, the granddaughter of President Trump, watches her ball, after she tees off on the 11th hole during the first round of The ANNIKA at the Pelican Golf Club at on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Belleair. Belleair USA - ZUMAs70_ 20251113_zan_s70_036 Copyright: xJeffereexWoox IMAGO
November 13, 2025, Belleair, Florida, USA: Kai Trump, the granddaughter of President Trump, watches her ball, after she tees off on the 11th hole during the first round of The ANNIKA at the Pelican Golf Club at on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Belleair. Belleair USA - ZUMAs70_ 20251113_zan_s70_036 Copyright: xJeffereexWoox IMAGO
Despite a nervous and underwhelming first round, Kai Trump was still thrilled to make her LPGA dream debut at The Annika last year.
Although the 18-year-old missed the cut at the 2025 ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge after finishing 18-over-par and last in the 108-player field, the star amateur left Pelican Golf Club on Friday with a renewed sense of gratitude.
Kai Trump admitted, “I didn't play the way I wanted obviously, but for my first LPGA event ever, I think I played pretty good.” Nerves clearly played a role in her opening round, where she recorded 9 bogeys and 2 double-bogeys.
Even so, she stayed upbeat about the experience. “I learned a lot and had a great time out there. It was amazing,” she said, showing appreciation for the opportunity she received through a sponsor exemption.
She did show some improvement in the second round, managing four birdies. However, a triple bogey on the fifth hole and challenging conditions held her back, and she ultimately finished at 18-over.
Reflecting on her performance, she emphasized preparation as key and said, “I mean, honestly, just prepare. I did everything I could possibly have done for this tournament."
BELLEAIR, FL - NOVEMBER 14: University of Miami commit Kai Trump plays her tee shot on the 14th hole during The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican on November 14, 2025, at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire. GOLF: NOV 14 LPGA, Golf Damen The ANNIKA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2511145
BELLEAIR, FL - NOVEMBER 14: University of Miami commit Kai Trump plays her tee shot on the 14th hole during The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican on November 14, 2025, at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire. GOLF: NOV 14 LPGA, Golf Damen The ANNIKA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2511145
Moreover, if you recall, her sponsor exemption sparked controversy, with critics arguing that, as the USA president Donald Trump's granddaughter, she may have taken a spot from more deserving amateurs and questioning whether her family’s influence played a role.
Kai Trump Eyes Strong Return After Criticism
Many people pointed to Kai Trump’s lower standing in the AJGA rankings, while others dismissed her appearance as a PR move.
With Kai ranked 461st in the AJGA and outside the top 3,000 in the WAGR, critics argued the spot should have gone to a higher-ranked player, and her Junior Invitational scores (89-79-83-89) only added to the criticism.
However, former World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who was sitting at T6, came to Kai’s defense and said, "Yeah, I mean, I think it’s a great learning opportunity for her if she is serious about the game of golf. There is no better way to test your game than to play alongside the best players in the world.”
Despite the criticism, Kai Trump has already returned to training as she prepares for her freshman season at the University of Miami, and just months after wrist surgery, she appears focused and determined to return stronger to her golf career.
Written by
Sauramita Debbarma