Kai Trump, the oldest granddaughter of President Donald Trump, is an avid golfer and a Floridian like her grandpa. But now, even though she’s still in high school, her golf is getting her paid.
In August 2024, Kai committed early to stay in Florida and will attend and play golf at the University of Miami after she graduates high school in 2026.
And last week, she took to social media to make another announcement: Her first endorsement deal with one of the biggest golf equipment companies on the market, valuing her name, image and likeness at more than $1 million.
Here’s what to know about Kai Trump and her high-dollar endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
Is Kai Trump still in high school?
Yes, Kai Trump is still a high school student in Palm Beach County, at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens.
Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, also attends and plays golf at The Benjamin School. Other famous golfers, like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, have also sent their children there. Kai Trump is set to graduate in 2026 and play golf for the University of Miami.
“Golf has always been a massive part of my life and is my biggest passion. I always aspire to be a leader and a positive figure on and off the golf course. I hope to continue my athletic career at the college level,” Kai’s SportsRecruits biography says.
More about the deal: Kai Trump inks endorsement with TaylorMade
What is a NIL deal? Can high schoolers make NIL money?
Kai’s deal with TaylorMade is a $1.2 million deal.
If you don’t know, the type of deal Kai signed with TaylorMade is an NIL deal. The acronym stands for “name, image and likeness,” and allows student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.
It protects student athletes’ right to earn money from their publicity and sometimes includes an endorsement, like Kai’s. NIL deals do not have to include an endorsement, but they can.
The NCAA didn’t allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, until a 2021 rule change. If Kai had been entering collegiate sports just five years sooner, she would not have had this opportunity to kick off her college career.
High schoolers, like Kai, are eligible for NIL deals, but not in every state. It’s up to each state to decide whether or not high schoolers can profit from their NIL before college. Florida is a pioneer in NIL deals for high schoolers. It was the first state to approve NIL deals for high school athletes.
How many golf pros use TaylorMade clubs?
Kai’s deal with TaylorMade is the start of her professional relationship with one of the best and most popular brands of golf equipment on the market.
Golf pros and legends Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods have all played with TaylorMade clubs, just to name a few. TaylorMade currently has 60 PGA Tour pros using their clubs.
“Currently there are 60 PGA Tour players among the top players in the world playing TaylorMade clubs or other TaylorMade equipment,” according to PGAClubTracker. “This list includes players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Ludwig Aberg.”
Is Kai Trump ranked in golf?
Yes, Kai Trump is ranked first in women’s high school golf and the $1.2 million deal with TaylorMade places her in the top 100 for all NIL money-makers.
When it comes to her valuation among only women, she ranks in the top five NIL money-makers, outranked only by LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, LSU basketball player Flau’Jae Johnson and UConn basketball player Paige Bueckers.
Where is Kai Trump going to college?
Kai Trump took to Instagram on Sunday, August 18, 2024, to announce her commitment to the University of Miami’s women’s golf team.
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Miami,” Kai wrote in the caption.
“I would like to thank my mom, Vanessa, and my dad, Don, for always supporting me through my journey. I would also like to thank my great team for getting me to this point.”
She went on to thank Donald Trump Sr. as well.
“I would like to thank my grandpa for giving me access to great courses and tremendous support… I am super excited to be a cane and represent the University of Miami. Gooo Canes!”
Contributing: Lori Comstock, USA TODAY – New Jersey Network
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Kai Trump as golfer, president’s granddaughter worth $1.2 million
