Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of U.S. President Donald, will make her LPGA debut at The ANNIKA this week after being handed a sponsors’ exemption
Kai Trump has been given a chance to play on the LPGA Tour(Image: AP)
Swedish golfing legend Annika Sorenstam has urged fans to give Kai Trump “a chance” as she gears up to compete in her debut LPGA event.
The U.S. President’s granddaughter, 18, is among three sponsors’ exemptions into The ANNIKA in Florida this week, a $3.25 million event happening at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair near Tampa from November 13-16. Prior to the tournament, Trump received a special opportunity to get ready by playing several practice holes with Sorenstam. On Instagram, The ANNIKA shared a picture of the duo with the caption: “No better way to kick off your LPGA Tour debut week than a few holes with the GOAT.”
During an appearance on NBC’s Golf Today, Sorenstam passionately defended Trump’s inclusion in the 108-player tournament, after the choice to invite the teenager sparked controversy.
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“Well, you know that every tournament has sponsor invitations,” the 55-year-old said. “It’s been going on for years.”
She later added: “I mean, that’s what this tournament is about. Helping young girls fulfill their dreams.”
Now, Sorenstam has reinforced her support of Trump’s exemption and has appealed to the golf world to simply “give the girl a chance.”
The University of Miami commit told the media earlier this week that she has already received advice from the likes of Tiger Woods(Image: Getty Images)
“Yeah, obviously her background, I just don’t know how she does it, honestly,” Sorentstam said during her pre-tournament press conference. “To be 18 years old and hear all the comments, she must be super tough on the inside.
“I’m sure we can all relate to what it’s like to get criticism here and there, but she gets it a thousand times. So that’s why I just want to give her a break, come out here and have fun.
“We want her to feel like family here, and I want her to feel welcome. I mean, give this girl a chance, right? I think that’s our responsibility this week.”
Sorenstam also emphasized that Trump’s exemption goes beyond just victory, stating: “I don’t think anybody here is thinking that she will be the one holding the trophy on Sunday. It’s about opportunities and memories and lessons learned.
“I spoke to her a little bit yesterday. You know, just make the most out of this week. There will be lessons learned. Take them to the future and learn.”
Trump has also gotten the same guidance from golf legend Tiger Woods, who is dating her mother, Vanessa, and her grandfather, U.S. President Donald, before the tournament, should she need any additional motivation.
“Yeah, I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” Trump said of Woods during her pre-tournament press conference. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
She also revealed similar counsel from President Trump, confessing: “My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to.”
