Kai Trump, President Donald Trump’s 18-year-old granddaughter, has revealed his advice for her ahead of her pro debut at the LPGA Tour later this week.
The president told her to “go out there and have fun,” as per Reuters.
Why It Matters
Kai Trump, who is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr., has gained attention as an aspiring golfer with a rapidly growing presence on social media.
She has faced harsh criticism in her golfing career so far, following an unimpressive performance at Sage Valley, which prompted people to question her place in elite tournaments, and say that her opportunities had purely been brought about by her family connections.
What To Know
“My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to,” Kai Trump told Reuters. When asked by the outlet if she had beaten her grandfather on the course yet, she declined to say.
But it’s not just the president offering her advice on her debut. Tiger Woods, who is dating Kai Trump’s mother, Vanessa, gave her advice too.
Kai Trump told Reuters, “He is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” adding, “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
Kai Trump is a high school senior who has committed to play for the University of Miami.
Though she has been criticized for her performance in some games, she delivered an improved performance at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Major Championship back in June, and previously shared a post on her Instagram where she said that she was “Happy with the progress I am making!”
Her abilities have seen a stamp of approval from LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau, Masters winner Rory McIlroy, and other elite professionals.
What People Are Saying
Kai Trump, speaking in a video shared to her Instagram: “It has been a dream of mine to compete at the professional level, and I’d like to thank the Pelican Golf Club for the invitation. I’m looking forward to teeing up and competing with the best players in the world.”
@NUCLRGOLF, an account on X which posts about golf, in a post viewed over 80,000 times: “18 year-old Kai Trump is making her first LPGA start this week at The Annika on a sponsor’s invite and has wrapped up her first press conference.”
Annika Sorenstam, the pro-golfer and host of the tournament, speaking to Reuters: “I just don’t know how she does it, honestly. 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 what it’s like to get criticism here and there, but she gets it a thousand times.
Social media user @actingliketommy, responding to a post from Kai Trump on X about her professional golfing debut: “Making your unearned debut. Gross. More reminders how the system is rigged for the nepo babies.”
What’s Next
Kai Trump will be making her debut at the LPGA Tour event, beginning on November 10 and running till November 16.
