It was a roller-coaster start Thursday for Kai Trump in her anticipated LPGA Tour debut.
Teeing off in the opening round of The Annika at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla., the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump hit two bogeys and a double bogey on her first three holes before making par on the par-4 fourth.
She bounced back on the par-5 seventh hole with a birdie before adding another double bogey to her scorecard on the par-3 ninth.
Kai Trump plays her shot from the 16th tee during the first round of The Annika Driven by Gainbridge on Nov. 13, 2025. Getty Images
Trump finished the front nine at the bottom of the pack with a 7-over 42.
Entering Thursday’s tournament, Trump — the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump — said she was trying to keep the nerves in check, citing advice she received from her grandfather.
“My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to,” Trump said.
The event marked Kai Trump’s first LPGA Tour debut. ZUMAPRESS.com
Her mom, Vanessa Trump, watched from Pelican Golf Club. ZUMAPRESS.com
The teen, set to play collegiately at the University of Miami, received a sponsor’s invite to this week’s event, drawing the ire of detractors.
Despite the criticism, Trump drew an audience for her first LPGA Tour event, with the Tampa Bay Times reporting Thursday “dozens watched” from the driving range before her 12:32 p.m. tee time.
Elsewhere on the course, mom Vanessa watched Trump from the 18th, along with Miami assistant coach Jim Garren, according to Golfweek.
Kai Trump received a sponsor’s invite to the event. ZUMAPRESS.com
Vanessa’s boyfriend, 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, also provided Trump with some words of encouragement before the big day.
“I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” Trump said. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
The Annika runs through Sunday.
