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Kai Trump’s LPGA debut didn’t go exactly as she planned.
The 18-year-old high school senior shot an 83 in the first round at The ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, placing her in last place among 108 players in a round. The next day, he bounced 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/Image Images)
Bryson DeChambeau, who shared a hug with the president’s granddaughter at the Ryder Cup, was impressed with Trump’s performance.
“He shot five over in the second round, which is really impressive. We didn’t know how he was going to do, he handled himself very well and what a great opportunity,” DeChambeau told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview.
“I was talking to [tournament host] annica [Sorenstam]. She’s on the Sports, Fitness and Nutrition board, and we were talking about, you know, ‘What do you think about it?’ We were both talking and this is a great opportunity. She says: ‘There are many others who received invitations who 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 her 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 POSITION AND POTENTIAL AS HE MAKES HER LPGA DEBUT
“It was amazing to see her go out and compete doing what she loves to do, and she’s getting better,” DeChambeau added. “We’ll see what history has for her, but she’s a grinder and a competitor, and it’s fun to see her competing with some of the best in the world, although there’s still a long way to go, but she’s a grinder. You never know.”
After finishing her second round, Trump said she felt more “peaceful” compared to the first, which led to 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 very nervous. I think the nerves just got to me,” she said. “When I came out today, I felt very calm and at peace, to be honest with you. That’s why I played better. I did everything I could have done for this tournament. So, I think if you prepare well, the nerves can… they’ll always be there, right? They can soften a little bit. So, I’d just say that.”
Trump officially committed to hurricanes earlier this month.
