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Kai Trump Makes LPGA Debut at The Annika, Opens With Early Stumbles

The sponsor invitation turned her start into a high-visibility test of the LPGA’s bid to reach younger fans.

Overview

  • In her opening round at Pelican Golf Club, the 18-year-old went 4-over through her first four holes and carded a 7-over 42 on her first nine, with multiple bogeys and two double bogeys reported.
  • Trump is in the field on a sponsor exemption, which LPGA officials said is intended to spotlight emerging players and introduce the tour to new audiences through her broad reach.
  • Tournament organizers reported unusually strong media and social-media engagement around the event, calling the attention “staggering” for a women’s golf tournament.
  • Competing as an amateur, she is ineligible to receive prize money even if she plays into the final rounds.
  • Her appearance follows a formal signing to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami, and she said both President Donald Trump and Tiger Woods advised her to relax and have fun.