Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, is set to make her professional debut on the LPGA Tour this November after receiving a sponsor exemption to play in The ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club.
The tournament, held from November 13 to 16 in Belleair, Florida, is the penultimate stop on the LPGA schedule and boasts one of the strongest fields outside the major championships.
The 18-year-old rising golf star, who is currently a senior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach County, expressed her excitement on social media following the invitation. “My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour,” she said.
“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.”
Kai Trump has committed to playing collegiate golf at the University of Miami starting in 2026. She has been competing in national and regional amateur tournaments and is currently ranked No. 461 in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) girls standings. Earlier this year, she gained valuable experience by participating in the Ryder Cup opening day alongside her grandfather.
The ANNIKA tournament carries a total purse of $3.25 million and will feature top players like Nelly Korda, the defending champion, along with other LPGA stars, including Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson, and 2023 winner Lilia Vu.
Tournament officials noted that Kai’s invitation was influenced not only by her talent but also her large social media presence, which helps attract new and younger audiences to the sport. She has more than six million followers across various platforms and recently launched an apparel and lifestyle brand aimed at empowering young women in sports.
Ricki Lasky, LPGA’s Chief Tour Business and Operations Officer, remarked on Kai’s impact: “Sponsor invitations are an important way to showcase emerging talent and draw fresh attention to our tournaments and the LPGA.
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.”
