Overview
- The 18-year-old accepted a sponsor’s exemption to make her LPGA debut at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican on Nov. 13–16 in Florida, a $3.25 million event.
- LPGA executive Ricki Lasky said sponsor invitations spotlight emerging talent and that Kai Trump’s reach is introducing the sport to new audiences.
- Annika Sorenstam’s husband, Mike McGee, defended the choice on radio, calling critics “crazy” and saying she will draw viewers who otherwise would not watch.
- The invitation has drawn criticism over competitive merit, with reports noting she is outside the top 450 in U.S. junior rankings and finished last at the Junior Invitational at 52 over par.
- Organizers point to her following of more than six million across platforms, recent viral content, and a T3 on the South Florida PGA Medalist Tour as factors driving heightened attention.