Kai is set to provide ‘guest commentary’ for the upcoming Golf Channel Games after making her debut at the LPGA Tour at The Annika last month. Golf Channel Games, a television-focussed golf competition, will feature teams led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. It will air live on December 17 on Golf Channel and USA Network – both of which are set to be separated from NBCUniversal and restructured under a new company, Versant.
PGA Tour star Keith Mitchell will join Steve Sands as an analyst, while Anna Jackson and Johnson Wagner handle pre- and post-show coverage. The event will take place at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida – a fitting reason for Kai to join the broadcast. The 18-year-old has become a prominent figure on golf social media. She has committed to the University of Miami, where she is set to launch her collegiate golf career next year.
Despite finishing last in an LPGA Tour event last month, Kai did not embarrass herself. She carded an opening-round 83, finishing four shots higher than the next-worst score. However, in the second round, Trump rebounded with a more respectable 75, matching the score posted by two-time major champion Lilia Vu that day.
Reflecting on her LPGA experience, Kai said: “The first day, I’ve never been more nervous. That was like the [Republican National Convention] times 30. It was very nerve-racking. For the nerves, I played well the first day. Then, the second day I kind of went out there and was like, ‘Ok, no more nerves.’ The nerves weren’t as bad and I did really well. So, I mean, it was a great experience. Thankful for the opportunity.”
Her social media presence, with more than six million followers on Instagram and TikTok, will help offer a promotional reach few can match for the Golf Channel Games. Her exact role on the broadcast remains uncertain, but her presence is certain to attract more viewers.
With a growing public profile, Kai has previously said she makes an effort not to be affected by comments. “I just stay away from it,” she said. “It doesn’t really affect me because, I don’t know, I know who I am. It doesn’t really matter, to be honest. People say whatever they want to say at the end of the day. I know what’s true and I know the type of person I am. It doesn’t really matter.”
