President Donald Trump’s granddaughter is ready to make her LPGA Tour debut, thanks to a controversial sponsor exemption that will allow her to compete.
Kai Trump committed to play golf at the University of Miami next year, and will compete in The Annika at Pelican Golf Club from November 13 to 16.
“My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour,” Kai, 18, said in a release. “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.”
To date, Kai has only competed in nationwide amateur events as part of the American Junior Golf Association, where she is currently ranked No. 461. However, she has built an extensive social media fan base, boasting more than 6 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and X.
Sponsor invitations are often granted to players who would otherwise not qualify for an event, but have impressed organizers through a combination of their play and the network of sponsors they have attracted. They are meant to grow interest in the sport by making sure its most popular members can compete on the biggest stage.
Donald Trump and Kai Trump Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
“Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments and the LPGA,” LPGA chief tour business and operations officer Ricki Lasky said in a statement to the AP on Tuesday, October 28. “Kai’s broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans. We’re excited to see her take this next step in her journey.”
While Kai will undoubtedly bring her massive following with her to the event, it’s not without some controversy.
Related: Donald Trump Jr.’s Ex Kimberly Poses With Kevin Costner at Super Bowl
Donald Trump Jr.‘s ex Kimberly Guilfoyle spent some time with Kevin Costner at the 2025 Super Bowl. Guilfoyle, 55, took to Instagram on Sunday, February 9, to share a photo of her with the Yellowstone star, 70, during the big game in New Orleans, which was also attended by her ex-fiancé, Trump Jr., 47, and […]
“When a spot goes to a player whose main credential seems to be her last name and her social media reach, it must feel like a slap in the face to those who are further down the road in their journey of dedicating their lives to golf,” veteran golf writer Alison Root wrote in a column for Golf Monthly published on Wednesday, October 29. “I can only imagine how frustrating this must feel for them, but I guess that’s just the way the world works.”
Thank You!
You have successfully subscribed.
As for Kai, she has used that social media reach to build a brand both as the President’s granddaughter and an aspiring golfer. On October 11, she released an hour-long video via Youtube as part of her “1 on 1 with Kai” series that featured her playing golf with President Trump, 79.
“I had an amazing time filming with my Grandpa to kick off my new series called 1 on 1 with Kai,” she wrote to promote the video via Instagram. “In the video, everyone gets to see the bond we have, especially on the golf course. This is my favorite video I have filmed so far and holds a lot of meaning to me. I hope you enjoy this very special video. Out now on YouTube!”
Kai is the daughter of the President’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump.
