18-year-old Trump is playing in her first LPGA Tour event after receiving a sponsor exemption inot the field at The Annika.
Kai Trump has learned a lot about life on the LPGA Tour this week in her first event alongside professionals(Image: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kai Trump’s LPGA Tour debut certainly has been a learning opportunity for the 18-year-old, who identified one thing as the most surprising part of the experience.
The granddaughter of President Trump is in the field this week at The Annika at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, where she finished the first round at the very bottom of the leaderboard with a 13-over 83.
Trump fared a bit better in her second round, making a few birdies and overcoming a triple-bogey on the front nine, but is a virtual lock to miss the cut after such a poor start.
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Still, she is taking it all in stride as she plays alongside LPGA Tour veterans Hinako Shibuno and Olivia Cowan, who surprised the youngster with her just how dependable they are on the course.
“How consistent they are,” Trump told Golf Channel of the most surprising part of her experience after making the turn on Friday.
Trump had plenty of positive things to say about her first round at The Annika despite her last-place standing(Image: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I hit it just as far, but their irons, even if they miss it they’re still on the green. Obviously, I think that’s something I have to work more on, especially short game. They all have amazing short game out here.”
One LPGA Tour stars who stood out to Trump was Nelly Korda, the former world No. 1 who is making a push toward the top of the leaderboard on Friday.
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Korda has not won a tournament since last year’s edition of The Annika.
“It was cool to meet Nelly in person,” Trump said. “I’d never met her in person and it was really cool to see her hit balls on the range as well.”
The week hasn’t been all positive for Trump, who said nerves got the best of her on Thursday and contributed to her slow start.
Those jitters were mostly gone on Friday as she was able to showcase her skills a bit more.
“It’s a lot of pressure, obviously, but I’ve been having a great time, especially today. I think the nerves have calmed down a little.
“Yesterday was a little scary, but today I feel more relaxed and I feel like I’m ready to do this.
“The experience has been amazing, but I feel better today.”
