Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, will make her LPGA Tour debut this November at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, after receiving a sponsor exemption.
The 18-year-old University of Miami commit will compete alongside some of the world’s top female golfers in a tournament that features a $3.25 million purse.
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Trump has spent the past several years competing in junior and amateur golf events, where she has steadily climbed the ranks to secure a spot inside the top 500 of the American Junior Golf Association girls’ rankings.
Currently, Trump ranks 461st in the country.
The tournament, which is held from November 13–16, will now give Trump an opportunity to test her game at the professional level before competing at the collegiate level.
“My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour, and I am thrilled to be able to compete at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican in November,” she said in a news release about the exemption.
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“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 LPGA stated that Trump’s social media following could help grow the brand and sport through her participation, noting that the President’s granddaughter has over 6 million followers across her platforms.
“Kai Trump has a tremendous passion for the game and is expanding the sport to broader audiences,” said Justin Sheehan, Director of Golf and COO, Pelican Golf Club, in the release.
Meanwhile, LPGA Chief Tour Business and Operations Officer Ricki Lasky said in the release that these invitations are an “important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments and the LPGA.”
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“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, and we’re proud to work closely with our partners in Tampa Bay whose continued commitment to advancing the women’s game helps elevate the LPGA and expand its visibility.”
Additional sponsor invitations for this event include Wake Forest Senior Anne-Sterre den Dunnen and Northwestern All-American Lauryn Nguyen, according to The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge.
