Eighteen-year-old Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, has been granted a sponsor exemption to play in her first professional golf tournament. Kai, the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr., will compete in The Annika, an LPGA event taking place in Belleair, Florida, from November 10 to 16. The tournament, named after Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam, attracts some of the best female players in the world.
Kai currently ranks No. 461 in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) girls’ rankings. She has participated in three AJGA events this year but has not finished in the top 20. Despite her modest ranking, Kai has been given a rare opportunity to play among elite professionals, something few junior golfers experience.
In a statement, Kai said that her dream has always been to compete with the best players in the world on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. She called her LPGA debut “an incredible experience” and said she looks forward to meeting and competing with her heroes in golf.
Kai has already committed to play for the University of Miami’s women’s golf team next year. Her selection for The Annika marks a major step forward as she transitions from amateur to collegiate-level competition.
A Unique Invitation
Sponsor exemptions allow tournament organizers to invite players who have not qualified through regular rankings or results. These invitations are often given to rising amateurs, college stars, or players who can help draw attention to the event. Kai’s invitation has raised eyebrows, as her current record does not meet the usual competitive standards for LPGA qualification.
The LPGA’s Chief Tour Business and Operations Officer, Ricki Lasky, said the organization was excited to welcome Kai. Lasky noted that her popularity on social media has helped introduce golf to younger fans and new audiences. She praised the support of the tournament’s sponsors, whose commitment to advancing women’s golf makes such opportunities possible.
The Annika will feature some of the world’s best players, including defending champion and current World No. 2 Nelly Korda. Alongside Kai, two other players—Anne-Sterre den Dunnen of Wake Forest University and Lauryn Nguyen of Northwestern University—have also been given sponsor invitations.
Fame, Influence, and Reaction
Kai Trump has built a strong online presence, with more than six million followers across her social media platforms. Her content often features golf, lifestyle clips, and family moments, including appearances by President Donald Trump. A recent hour-long YouTube vlog titled “Playing Golf with President Donald Trump (My Grandpa)” has already drawn more than three million views.
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Her growing popularity as a social media figure and “MAGA influencer” has helped her reach audiences beyond traditional golf fans. This has also fueled discussion about whether her selection was based more on name recognition and influence than on golf performance.
Critics argue that the exemption reflects privilege, suggesting her family ties and fame opened doors that other young golfers might not have access to. Supporters, however, see it as a smart marketing move that could help attract new fans to women’s golf and boost visibility for the sport.
The LPGA maintains that Kai’s inclusion is part of its broader effort to promote golf among younger audiences. Officials say her online following helps expand interest in the women’s game and supports their goal of reaching more diverse fans worldwide.
Last month, Kai made headlines again after promoting her new line of clothing while attending an event at the White House with President Donald Trump. Wearing one of her own $130 sweatshirts from her collection, she drew both attention and criticism online.
As she prepares for The Annika, Kai Trump steps into one of the most closely watched moments of her young career. With her family name, media presence, and newfound professional spotlight, her debut will be one of the most talked-about storylines in women’s golf this year.
