Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, endured a nightmare opening round at an LPGA Tour event this week
Kai Trump finished her first LPGA Tour round in last place with a score of 13-over-par, but that didn’t dampen her enthusiasm(Image: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Following her initial round at an LPGA Tour event on Thursday, Kai Trump was frank about how nerves impacted her performance. She further opened up about the “scary” reality of competing at golf’s top tier on Friday.
Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of the former president took to the course in The Annika this week in Belleair, Florida, thanks to a sponsor exemption. Her first round was disastrous as she ended the day in last place with a 13-over 83, but Trump still managed to find several positives from the experience.
On Friday, she showed improved consistency at the start of her round. In a post-round interview with Golf Channel, Trump, who has committed to the University of Miami, shared her feelings about the tournament.
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“It’s been awesome. It’s a lot of pressure, obviously, but I’ve been having a great time, especially today,” Trump said. “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.”
Trump expressed her awe at the pros’ consistency, saying, “How consistent they are. I hit it just as far, but their irons, even if they miss it they’re still on the green.”
This exposure to professional-level consistency gave Trump a clear target for enhancing her own game.
“Obviously, I think that’s something I have to work more on, especially short game. They all have amazing short game out here.”
Kai Trump has settled down after a ‘scary’ experience to open her LPGA Tour debut(Image: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite probably missing the cut at Pelican Golf Club, Trump isn’t done with her golfing career. She formally pledged to compete in college golf earlier this week and intends to enter multiple tournaments to build additional experience.
“Really what’s next is just more tournaments,” Trump said. “I just signed with University of Miami on Wednesday, so, I mean, more tournaments and eventually go to college.”
Speaking on plans to speak to grandfather Donald after missing the cut, she said: “The whole time I was nervous without a doubt. I thought I did pretty good for just first time, being the youngest player in the field. I had a great time out there.
“My grandpa pretty much told me to go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to.”
