Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, is set to make her LPGA Tour debut this month at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, starting on Nov.13–16 at Pelican Golf Club in Florida.
The announcement, made last week, sparked a wave of criticism across social media and golf circles, with many questioning whether her inclusion was a result of family privilege rather than merit.
But the LPGA Tour and tournament officials have responded firmly, defending the decision and highlighting Kai’s growing influence in the sport.
“Kai Trump has a tremendous passion for the game and is expanding the sport to broader audiences,” Justin Sheehan, Director of Golf and COO of Pelican Golf Club, told reporters. “She has a bright future at Miami, and we look forward to welcoming her and our entire tournament field to Pelican Golf Club in November.”
Kai, a high school senior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, is committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami starting in fall 2026. She’s been active on junior circuits like the AJGA and South Florida PGA’s Srixon Medalist Tour, where she posted a T3 finish this summer.
But it’s her massive social media presence with over 6 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube that has made her one of the most visible young athletes in golf. Adding to the buzz, her recent behind-the-scenes Ryder Cup vlog has further amplified her social media reach.
“Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments and the LPGA,” expressed Ricki Lasky, LPGA Chief Tour Business and Operations Officer. “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.”
The ANNIKA, named after LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, is one of the most prestigious non-major events on the tour, with a $3.25 million purse and a field featuring stars like Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson and defending champion Lilia Vu.
Last year, WNBA star Caitlin Clark played in the pro-am, drawing crossover attention and boosting viewership. This year, with Clark returning to the pro-am and Kai Trump making her LPGA debut, tournament organizers are hoping to have a similar hype.
Annika Sorenstam’s Husband Defends Kai Trump’s Criticism
Mike McGee, Sorenstam’s husband, also weighed in on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio.
“For anybody that says (she) doesn’t deserve to be there, I think it’s crazy,” he stated during the interview. “The idea is to highlight women’s golf, and she’s going to do it to a diverse crowd of millions more people that would tune in (who) otherwise wouldn’t tune in.”
He clarified that the decision was made by the tournament sponsor, not by Sorenstam herself.
Sheehan echoed the sentiment, noting the buzz Kai’s announcement has already generated.
“I would imagine, since the Tuesday announcement, that this is one of the most talked-about women’s golf tournaments that has probably ever existed,” he told Golf.com. “It’s on news channels and sports channels. The numbers of social media impressions … are staggering. Love it or hate it, it’s getting people to talk about the event.”
He added, “We’re on a mission to grow this game. Seeing the impact Caitlin had last year was fairly eye-opening.”
Whether Kai Trump’s debut is seen as a bold move or a controversial one, the LPGA Tour is standing by its choice. And with millions watching, her first tee shot at Pelican Golf Club may be one of the most talked-about moments in women’s golf this year.
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