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For an 18-year-old in the national spotlight, Kai Trump, President Donald Trump’s oldest granddaughter, has had to deal with her fair share of critics and naysayers as she pursues a professional career in golf.
During a candid conversation with her aunt, Lara Trump, the future University of Miami golfer explained how she handles these negative comments while staying focused on her goals.
“I just stay away from it,” she replied during an interview with her aunt on “My View with Lara Trump.” “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 what they want to say at the end of the day. I know what’s true and I know what type of person I am. It doesn’t really matter.”
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Lara and Kai Trump ride in a golf cart during an interview on Pakinomist’ “My View with Lara Trump.” (“My View with Lara Trump”)
Kai made her LPGA Tour debut at The ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida earlier this month, and while it didn’t go exactly as she had planned, she still came away satisfied with the results in her first ever professional event.
“That first day, I’ve never been more nervous in my entire life. It was like that [Republican National Convention] times 30,” Kai told his aunt as they rode in a golf cart. “It was very nerve-wracking. For nerves, I played well the first day. Then, the other day, I kind of went out there and thought, “OK, no more nerves.” The nerves weren’t too bad and I did really well. So I mean it was a great experience. Thank you for the opportunity.”
The high school senior shot a first-round 83, which placed her last out of 108 players. But she bounced back on the second day with a five-over 75. Unfortunately for Kai, it wasn’t enough to make it through the weekend.
GOLF STARS IMPRESSED WITH KAI TRUMP’S LPGA DEBUT DESPITE POOR RESULTS: ‘BIG OPPORTUNITY’
However, the experience was invaluable for Kai, who will join the Miami Hurricanes golf team next year. She talked about why she chose Miami during the interview.
“Really just come down to the coaches. I love the program and I didn’t want to be that far away from home either because I love coming home,” she said. “I love Florida. So it really just came down to the coaches. The school is great for academics and the team is great,” she said.
Kai’s performance on the LPGA Tour may not have been what she wanted, but LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau recently told Pakinomist Digital that he sees things differently.
Amateur Kai Trump of the United States tees off 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)
“She shot five-over the second round, which is really, it’s actually really impressive,” he explained. “We didn’t know how she was going to do, she did very well and what a great opportunity.
“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.’ It was great to see her go out there and compete and do what she loves to do and she’s getting better.”
Of course, Kai also loves the moments when she gets to spend time on the course with her grandfather. She called each of those rounds “very special” and looks forward to them when they can hit the links with their busy schedules.
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)
But Kai remains determined and focused on getting better every day to check off his goals one by one, starting with his next four years as a Hurricanes golfer.
“I’m going to go to college for four years at the University of Miami, play golf for them there. Then, if I get more sponsor invitations, I’ll play an LPGA Tour event here and there if I can get those invitations. Then, after college, go pro — that’s the plan. It’s obviously a lot easier said than done,” she said.
