Playing for Benjamin girls golf, Kai Trump took to the green for the Class 1A state championship just seven days removed from being on stage to speak at grandfather Donald Trump’s President-elect ceremony.
Last week, election day was the culmination of a wild political ride that has engrossed the Trump family name, Kai included.
Yet, despite the eruption of political activity around her, Kai hasn’t missed a golf event. She hasn’t missed a single practice for her team.
Kai Trump, Benjamin golfer and granddaughter of President-elect Donald Trump, drives the ball on Hole 11 of the Class 1A state championship on Nov. 12, 2024.
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And while her grandfather is readying his cabinet following his victory in the national election, his granddaughter continues to win on the green.
It’s something Benjamin head coach Janet Coles continues to marvel at.
“Complete admiration,” Coles said of Trump. “It’s been incredible distracting and of course, it’s incredibly exciting, but again, no one knew what was going to happen. There were all these unknowns. Tremendous admiration for how she’s been able to manage the interference.”
Trump played at districts and regionals prior states this week, a postseason that carried right up through the 2024 presidential election.
But politics didn’t deter the young Trump from keeping her commitment to the team.
Benjamin’s Kai Trump lifts teammate Reese McMillan into the air as the Buccaneers celebrate their district title at Trump International (Oct. 28, 2024).
“Stayed positive, came to every practice, she definitely contributed and continues to with all this other stuff going on,” Coles said. “Honestly, I have done nothing other than applaud her.”
Trump shot an 80 during the first day of the state championship on Tuesday, nine shots above par to contribute to a performance that has Benjamin entering the second day of play in 12th place, one shot behind Carrollwood Day and four shots outside of Bolles, who rounds out the top 10 teams in the tournament.
“I’m really proud of the girls,” Coles said. “They all played really well. Kai birdied the last hole, which was really, really great. That was wonderful to see.”
The birdie was a spotlight moment for her first day at states, and Coles believes there is more to come in Day No. 2.
“She’s not happy right now,” Coles said with a laugh. “So I think she’s going to come back and play well. We’re all proud of the team and Kai’s contribution, of course. It really plays a big role. We’ll gather ourselves tomorrow and up we’ll go up that leaderboard.”
Alex Peterman is a high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at apeterman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Kai Trump: How Donald Trump’s granddaughter fared at Florida golf state tournament
