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Kai Trump is the eldest granddaughter of the US President donald trumpendure a challenge lpga tour Debut, recording the highest opening round score at The Anika Tournament.
The 18-year-old sponsor-exempt amateur player carded a 13-over-par 83 at Pelican Golf Club in Florida to finish in last place in his first professional event.
Despite the rough start, Trump reflected on the experience, saying: “I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of good shots out there. I hit a lot of good shots in the wrong spots.”
She added, “And obviously this is my first LPGA event, now I know how it goes. I felt a little awkward at first but then I got the hang of it.”
Starting on the back nine with Japan’s Hinako Shibuno and Germany’s Olivia Cowan, Trump received applause upon her introduction at the par-four 10th and then found the fairway after her opening tee shot.
However, the golfer, ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association, bogeyed her first four holes before making par on the par-five 14th. She then mixed two bogeys with pars, including an impressive up-and-down save on the 16th, taking her to the turn at six-over 41.
The back nine proved even more difficult, with a dropped shot just after the turn, followed by two double-bogeys and two more bogeys on his final three holes.
Reflecting on the pressure, Trump commented: “I was nervous the whole time, without a doubt. I thought being the youngest player on the field, I did pretty well for the first time. I had a great time out there.”
His appearance came a day after the University of Miami announced his commitment to play golf for the Hurricanes in the 2026-27 season, highlighting his burgeoning junior career in Florida.
Meanwhile, at The Annika, hosted by LPGA great Annika Sorenstam, South Korea’s Hae Ran Ryu took the lead with an early six-under-par 64, one shot ahead of Australia’s Grace Kim. American Jennifer Kupcho remained sixth in the world ranking charlie plow Another shot in the middle of a group in the back.