Donald Trump’s granddaughter has been given a sponsor’s invite to The ANNIKA – but in golf’s new age of creators and clicks, is this sport or show business?
Eighteen-year-old Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, will make her LPGA Tour debut next month – and whether you see it as a brilliant marketing move or a cynical stunt probably depends on how you feel about where golf’s heading right now.
Trump, a high school senior, has been handed a sponsor’s invitation to The ANNIKA, the penultimate event on the LPGA Tour schedule. Trump will tee up alongside stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko for the prestigious event which has a prize purse of $3.25m and typically boasts one of the strongest fields outside of the majors.
On golf alone, the invite is surprising. Trump is currently ranked No. 461 in the American Junior Golf Association standings and has only three events to her name this year – finishing 29th, 24th, and 26th.
But what she does have is a famous surname and more than six million followers across social media.
It’s not hard to see the appeal. In an era where clicks, followers, and viral moments often matter more than world rankings, Kai Trump is a walking algorithm boost.
The LPGA isn’t hiding from that fact.
“Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments,” said LPGA executive Ricki Lasky. “Kai’s broad following is helping introduce golf to new audiences.”
That’s why Kai Trump’s invite makes total sense – even if it makes traditionalists squirm.
In an age where more people watch golf on YouTube than on TV, the tours are battling to stay relevant.
The PGA Tour is expanding its Creator Classic, a made-for-social event featuring YouTube stars and influencers, and confirmed a Good Good Invitational as part of its 2026 schedule – a full PGA Tour-sanctioned event built around YouTube stars.
Five years ago, that would’ve been unthinkable. Now, it’s the strategy. The message is clear: if you can’t beat social media, partner with it.
It’s great news for Kai Trump, and will undoubtedly bring more attention to The ANNIKA and the women’s game – even if only for one week.
“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,” Trump said. “This event will be an incredible experience.”
Whilst it’s influence that’s won her the invitation, Kai Trump is a serious golfer in her own right – she’ll join the University of Miami women’s team in 2026.
But the truth is, plenty of junior golfers with stronger results won’t come anywhere near an LPGA tee box this year – because they don’t have six million followers or a famous grandfather.
Still, that’s modern golf. A sport caught between its old guard and a new generation raised on clips, clicks, and content.
If Kai plays well and makes the cut, she’ll silence a lot of critics and prove she belongs. If not, her debut will still deliver what sponsors really want – eyeballs, engagement, and headlines.
Either way, it’s a win for golf’s new world order – the one where being famous might just be as powerful as being good.
The ANNIKA will be played at Pelican Golf Club, Florida, from November 13-16.
