Getty
U.S. President Donald Trump, along with his granddaughter Kai Madison Trump, attends the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 26, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
The penultimate Annika event begins this week on Thursday November 13th, 2025. Played at Pelican Golf Club, this LPGA event will host some of the most impressive names in women’s sports. Set to compete is defending champion and 15-time winner Nelly Korda, three-time LPGA champion Charley Hull, 11-time champion Lexi Thompson, and plenty of other impressive golfers.
Other notable names surrounding the event include WNBA player Caitlin Clark. She is set to make her return as a player in the pro-am. Standing by her side as caddies will be her Indiana Fever teammates Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull.
Alongside these powerful women in sports, another unexpected name will make an appearance at the LPGA event this week. Thanks to a sponsor’s invitation, Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of President Donald Trump, will make her LPGA debut and tee up to compete against 108 LPGA professionals.
Kai Trump’s Golf Background
Despite her comfort with golf-related public appearances, 18-year old Kai Madison Trump doesn’t seem quite prepared for a competition of this magnitude. Trump’s Rolex AJGA Ranking puts her at 461 and she is not listed in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. She is however, committed to the University of Miami, where she will play for the women’s golf team in 2026.
Ahead of the Annika, Kai sat down for a press release, where she told interviewers about a recent conversation she had with Tiger Woods, stating,
“Yeah, I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person. He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
Although her invite may be controversial to some due to her golf history, it has forced the tournament, and the LPGA to be more widely discussed. A much needed change that will encourage the growth necessary for women’s sports to thrive, especially golf.
The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican
This won’t be the first time The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican will feature high-profile players. Caitlin Clark was also in attendance last year, drawing a larger crowd than usual to the LPGA event. That seems to be the goal, as Kai Trump is sure to bring a lot of attention thanks to her huge social media following as well as the attention the name Trump is sure to grab.
In an interview with Golf Channel’s Golf Central, tournament host Annika Sorenstam commented on the inclusion of Kai Trump, stating,
“Kai is an up-and-coming player. She is committed to Miami, and she has aspirations of playing [on the LPGA]. I think she adds some excitement to it.” She went on to say, “She has a lot of followers on social media. She loves the game. It’s super exciting to have her there. That’s what this tournament is about — helping young girls fulfill their dream through the Annika Foundation. So this is kind of what this tournament is all about. So super excited. There has been a lot of talk and already getting some exposure which we’re excited about.”
Whether you’re a fan of the Trump name or not, Kai’s presence of the course is sure to encourage a larger turnout than usual. Combined with WNBA stars and some of the best golfers on the LPGA Tour, hopefully women’s sports can continue to join together and increase viewership and attendance across the board.
Sydney Jones Sydney Jones is a sports writer covering all things golf, Mariners, and Seahawks for Heavy.com. She has experience covering the intersection of sports and human interest stories for multiple publications. Originally from Montana, she recently relocated to Seattle and is enjoying the new experience of being surrounding by live professional sports and rooting for a common team while writing about them. More about Sydney Jones
More Heavy on Golf
Loading more stories
