Despite having a bounce-back performance on her second day, Kai Trump missed the cut in her LPGA debut Friday.
The granddaughter of President Donald Trump finished the round with a 5-over 75, including four birdies, for her second round of The ANNIKA tournament at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla.
“For the first day I was definitely really nervous,” she said after Friday’s round. “I think the nerves just got to me. When I went out there today I felt very calm and peaceful to be honest with you. That’s why I played better.”
Kai Trump tees off on the second hole during the second round of The ANNIKA golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After the two rounds of play, Trump finished 18-over par, well over the projected cut of 1-over par to advance in the tournament. Linn Grant and Grace Kim are tied for the second-round lead at 9-under.
In breezy conditions Friday morning, the high school senior had four birdies, four bogeys, a double bogey and a triple bogey.
The University of Miami recruit played on a sponsor exemption. She’s the daughter of Donald Trump Jr.
“I did everything I could possibly have done for this tournament, so I think if you prepare right the nerves can — I mean, they’re always going to be there, right? They can be a little softened,” she said after missing the cut.
Her performance was an improvement over her first round on Thursday, when she shot a 13-over 83 with nine bogeys and two double bogeys, and was sitting in last place at the end of the day.
“I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there,” she told reporters Thursday. “I hit a lot of good shots just to the wrong spots.”
Kai Trump putts on the 12th hole green during the second round of The ANNIKA golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Despite her performance, Trump said the experience was “pretty cool,” and that she believes that her skills are “in a good spot” considering her age.
“It was pretty cool because I know I hit it far, but kind of playing with the best players in the world and being literally right there or even outdriving on some of the holes, it felt pretty good,” she said. “Felt like my game is in a good spot, and especially only being a senior in high school.”
Going into the first round, Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr., said that her grandfather gave advice on calming her nerves for the tournament.
“My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to,” she said.
— with AP
