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Kai Trump’s LPGA debut didn’t go quite as she planned.
The 18-year-old high school senior shot a first-round 83 at The ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla., putting her in last place out of 108 players through one round. The next day she came back with a five-over 75, but it wasn’t enough to make the cut.
It was an invaluable experience for Trump, who will play college golf at the University of Miami next year.
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Kai Trump hits a shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the ANNIKA golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
Bryson DeChambeau, who shared a hug with the president’s grandson at the Ryder Cup, was impressed by Trump’s display.
“She shot five over the second round, which is really, it’s actually really impressive. We didn’t know how she was going to do, she handled herself very well, and what a great opportunity,” DeChambeau told Pakinomist Digital in a recent interview.
“I talked to [tournament host] Annika [Sorenstam]. She’s on the Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Council and we were just talking about how you know, ‘What do you think?’ We both talked and it’s a great opportunity. She says: ‘There are lots of other people who have had invitations that didn’t do well, but it was a great experience for them. And I think it will be a great experience for her.’
Amateur Kai Trump of the United States plays his shot from the 16th tee during the first round of The ANNIKA powered by Gainbridge at Pelican 2025 at Pelican Golf Club on November 13, 2025 in Belleair, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
MIAMI GOLF COACH PRAISES KAI TRUMP’S POISED, POTENTIAL AS SHE MAKES LPGA DEBUT
“It was great to see her go out there and compete and do what she loves to do and she’s getting better,” DeChambeau added. “We’ll see what history has in store for her, but she’s a grinder and a competitor and it’s fun to see her out there competing with some of the best in the world, even though there’s a long way to go, but she’s a grinder. You never know.”
After completing her second round, Trump said she felt more “peaceful” compared to the first, which led to the improvement.
Kai Trump tees off during the final round of the Medalist Tour tournament at Lost City Golf Club on July 17, 2025 in Atlantis, Florida. (Greg Lovett/Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network via IMAGN Images)
“The first day I was definitely really nervous. I think the nerves just got to me,” she said. “When I went out there today, I felt very calm and peaceful, to be honest with you. That’s why I played better. I did everything I possibly could have done for this tournament. So I think if you prepare right, the nerves… they’re always going to be there, right? They can get a little soft. So I just wanted to say that.”
Trump made an official commitment to the hurricanes earlier this month.
