The inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club will feature at least one Trump in the broadcast. Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of President Donald J. Trump, will be a special contributor to the broadcast, Golf Channel has announced.
The made-for-TV primetime event will air live on Golf Channel and USA Network on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. ET, and includes four-man teams competing in a series of unique challenges, highlighted by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
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Trump, who will begin her college golf career at Miami next fall, recently competed on the LPGA on a sponsor invitation at The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. She boasts more than 8 million social media followers and YouTube subscribers.
Nov 14, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Kai Trump signs autographs after the second round of The ANNIKA golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
PGA Tour player Keith Mitchell will serve as an analyst alongside Steven Sands, who will provide play-by-play commentary. On-course commentators include Smylie Kaufman, Brad Faxon, and Johnson Wagner. Trump will participate in challenge tutorials with Wagner as well as the trophy ceremony.
Anna Jackson will anchor studio coverage from onsite in Jupiter, Florida.
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McIlroy’s team includes Shane Lowry, Luke Donald and Haotong Li, while Scheffler’s foursome consists of Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns and Luke Clanton.
Keith Mitchell of the United States plays his shot from the sixth tee during the first round of the World Wide Technology Championship 2025 at El Cardonal at Diamante on November 06, 2025 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
McIlroy and Scheffler competed head-to-head at the Ryder Cup in September at Bethpage Black. Scheffler defeated McIlroy in singles, 1-up, on the final day, but the Europeans won the competition. It was McIlroy’s lone loss in five matches (3-1-1) and Scheffler’s only win after going 0-4 the first two days.
The Golf Channel Games will begin at 7:30 p.m., and will be broadcast live nationally on Golf Channel and USA Network.
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“The ‘Golf Channel Games’ bring a fresh approach to golf, inspired by events like the NFL Combine and all-star games from top professional leagues,” McIlroy said. “They give players the chance to showcase their skills across unique challenges and offer fans a new way to enjoy the game in the postseason. I am looking forward to competing in this new, fun format.”
General admission tickets are $81. Premium patron tickets are available for $380 that include signature Trump Smash Burgers and other grilled entrées, wraps, and non-alcoholic beverages. Premium ticketholders also get access to prime viewing locations. Parking is included.
Tickets are now on sale at thegolfchannelgames.com.
The Palm Beach Post contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Golf Channel Games broadcast talent lineup includes Kai Trump
