Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, will make her LPGA Tour debut next month before heading to college golf at the University of Miami.
The 18-year-old received a sponsor exemption Tuesday to compete in The Annika, held Nov. 13–16 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. The penultimate event of the LPGA season, The Annika typically draws one of the tour’s strongest fields outside the majors.
“My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour,” Trump said in a statement. “This event will be an incredible experience. I look forward to meeting and competing against so many of my heroes and mentors in golf.”
Why It Matters
Trump, the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr., is a senior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach County and has committed to play for the Miami Hurricanes next year. She competes nationally in American Junior Golf Association events and in tournaments across Florida. Currently ranked No. 461 in the AJGA Girls standings, Trump has played three events this season.
Kai Trump has also built a large online following, with more than 6 million combined followers across social media platforms, and recently launched an apparel and lifestyle brand focused on empowering young women in sports.
What To Know
Trump joins previously announced sponsor invitees Anne-Sterre den Dunnen, a senior at Wake Forest, and Lauryn Nguyen, an All-American from Northwestern.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark will return for the pro-am on Nov. 12 for the second consecutive year. Nelly Korda is the defending champion.
Last month, the rising golfer attended the Ryder Cup for the first time with grandpa Trump. The moment also made history as Trump became the first sitting president of the United States to attend the Ryder Cup.
Kai said she cherished every moment of her experience. She later shared a recap, describing it as “even better than I expected.”
“I’ve never been to the Ryder Cup. I’ve always wanted to go,” she stated about the event, as seen in her recent YouTube video. “It’s always been like a dream of mine. So, I’m like really happy that I get to go. But I’m really excited, very thankful that I had the opportunity to go, especially with my grandpa.
“I had the best time getting to attend the Ryder Cup for the first time. This has been a dream of mine for so long,” she shared, while closing her vlog.
Throughout their time on the course, Kai and Trump cheered the U.S. team, exchanging high-fives and rallying fans. Players like JJ Spaun and Keegan Bradley performed the viral “Trump dance,” a playful nod to the president’s signature moves.
What People Are Saying
Justin Sheehan, Director of Golf and COO, Pelican Golf Club, said: “Kai Trump has a tremendous passion for the game and is expanding the sport to broader audiences. 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.”
Ricki Lasky, the LPGA’s chief tour business and operations officer, said: “Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new 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.”
What Happens Next
Kai Trump is currently competing in junior and amateur tournaments on the AJGA and the Srixon Medalist Tour on the South Florida PGA.
Updates: 10/28/25, 1:13 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Updates: 10/28/25, 2:20 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
