At just 18 years old, Kai Trump recently stepped into the limelight as a talented young golfer making her professional debut on the LPGA Tour.
Her first outing came at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge earlier this month, and while nerves were understandably high, the emotional support she received helped remind her, and those watching, why this moment was so significant.
Kai earned a sponsor’s exemption to compete at The ANNIKA, a prestigious event held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. With plans to play collegiate golf for the Miami Hurricanes starting in 2026, she used this debut as a chance to test her skills against some of the world’s best female golfers.
The anticipation of competing at such a high level likely weighed on her, but she embraced the opportunity.
In a video posted to her personal YouTube channel, titled “I Competed in My First LPGA Event,” Kai shared the emotions she felt leading up to her first professional competition.
“I have worked my butt off for so long in golf and everything, and I just cannot wait for the moment tomorrow to compete and play with the best players in the entire world,” she said.
On the course, Kai faced a tough challenge. She opened with a 13-over 83 on day one, placing her at the bottom of the 108-player field. Despite the setback, she rebounded with a 75 on the second day, recording her first LPGA birdies and gaining valuable experience.
While she ultimately missed the cut, the performance was a meaningful first step in her professional journey, proving that talent paired with perseverance can withstand the pressures of top-level competition.
Message from her mom made all the difference
Amid the pressure and attention, which was likely amplified by her high-profile family, Kai revealed that a private message from her mother, Vanessa Trump, helped steady her nerves.
“You’ve been waiting for this your whole life. This is what you’ve worked towards…,” are the words Kai revealed she received from her mom.
Those words served as a reminder that her debut wasn’t just about public attention. Instead it was the culmination of years of dedication, early mornings on the driving range, and countless hours working her swing.
Kai also acknowledged guidance from another key figure in her life: Vanessa’s partner, Tiger Woods, who reportedly advised her to “go out there and have fun and just go with the flow.”
Although Kai didn’t leave with a trophy, she gained experience on the greens that will only boost her confidence. With the support of her family and the lessons from her debut, time will tell if she builds on them as she continues her golfing journey.
Read the full article here
