Kai Trump Struggles to Make an Impression on LPGA Tour Debut
In her highly anticipated LPGA Tour debut at The Annika in Florida, US President Donald Trump's 18-year-old granddaughter struggled to find her footing, ultimately finishing the day with the highest score. England's Charley Hull and Ireland's Leona Maguire started strong, sitting three shots off the lead.
Trump, who received a sponsor's exemption to compete, admitted that she was nervous, hitting good shots but often finding them in the wrong spots. Despite being a long shot to contend this week, she expressed confidence in her abilities after the round, feeling more comfortable as it progressed.
The 13-over-par 83 left Trump in last place, while Hull and Maguire trailed by three strokes. Trump began on the back nine alongside Japan's Hinako Shibuno and Germany's Olivia Cowan but bogeyed four holes before a par at the 14th. The turn saw her reach six-over 41, only to drop behind with double-bogeys over her next four holes.
Trump also faced criticism for her commitment to play golf with the University of Miami Hurricanes for the 2026-27 season just one day prior. South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran emerged as the first-round leader after an opening six-under-par 64 that left her a shot clear of Australian Grace Kim.
With continued coverage available on Sky Sports Golf, Trump will have the opportunity to make amends in Friday's play.
In her highly anticipated LPGA Tour debut at The Annika in Florida, US President Donald Trump's 18-year-old granddaughter struggled to find her footing, ultimately finishing the day with the highest score. England's Charley Hull and Ireland's Leona Maguire started strong, sitting three shots off the lead.
Trump, who received a sponsor's exemption to compete, admitted that she was nervous, hitting good shots but often finding them in the wrong spots. Despite being a long shot to contend this week, she expressed confidence in her abilities after the round, feeling more comfortable as it progressed.
The 13-over-par 83 left Trump in last place, while Hull and Maguire trailed by three strokes. Trump began on the back nine alongside Japan's Hinako Shibuno and Germany's Olivia Cowan but bogeyed four holes before a par at the 14th. The turn saw her reach six-over 41, only to drop behind with double-bogeys over her next four holes.
Trump also faced criticism for her commitment to play golf with the University of Miami Hurricanes for the 2026-27 season just one day prior. South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran emerged as the first-round leader after an opening six-under-par 64 that left her a shot clear of Australian Grace Kim.
With continued coverage available on Sky Sports Golf, Trump will have the opportunity to make amends in Friday's play.
. Like, who needs a sponsor's exemption when you've got nepotism on your side? 
Anyway, gotta give it up for Charley Hull and Leona Maguire though - they're definitely not worried about Trump making a splash (or should I say, a bogey?). And poor Hinako Shibuno, trying to keep up with the champ... or in this case, Trump's ego 
. Can't wait to see how she fares next time... or if "The Donald's" team will pull some magic trick to make her score look more impressive 
. I mean, she was always going to be a long shot, but still... it's like trying to get a cat to sit still for a selfie - it just doesn't seem natural 
. I remember when Tiger Woods used to dominate back in the day, and now this is how things have changed 
. Charley Hull and Leona Maguire were solid as usual, but where was the excitement? It's like watching paint dry at times... zzz... maybe she just needs a few more rounds to warm up, you know?
. I mean, she was given a sponsor's exemption and still managed to tank it 
. Still, gotta give her credit for trying and saying she felt more comfortable as the round went on 
. Maybe she'll turn it around tomorrow? We'll see 
.
. But for real, 13 over par is a pretty steep hill to climb, especially considering how strong some of these other ladies are competing.
? i mean, back then it was all about wearing plaid pants and having a good swing, not about sponsorships and all that jazz 
. this kid trump's got potential tho, but she needs to calm down and focus, 'cause out there on the course, you gotta be one with nature, like my grandpa used to say... anyway, gotta give it up for charley hull and leona maguire, they're gonna be tough to beat 
. and what's with this commitment business? didn't people just play golf back then 'cause they loved it? 
she did seem more confident after a bit but the score was still ouch 
those other gals were killin it too charley hull is lowkey my fave 
also crazy that she played with univ mi hurricanes just one day prior, talk about nerves 
hopefully she'll come out stronger in friday's play 
fingers crossed she bounces back strong on friday 
she seemed like she was going to pull it together but just couldn't find her game 
i feel bad for her tho, being a newbie on the lpga tour is tough enough without all the pressure of having the pres's surname 
[GIF of a golf ball flying off course]
[Image of a girl in a pink dress, flexing her muscles]
[GIF of a person getting a sunburn]
with a 6 under 64, that's insane! maybe trump will bounce back from this and show us what she's made of 
and having that drama about her uni commitment?