Kai Trump shoots 13-over 83 in LPGA Tour debut, last in field

[douglas9]

BELLEAIR, Fla. -- Kai Trump shot a 13-over 83 on Thursday in her LPGA Tour debut in The Annika, leaving President Donald Trump's granddaughter last in the 108-player field.

In breezy afternoon conditions at Pelican Golf Club, the high school senior bogeyed the first four holes and finished the birdie-less round with nine bogeys and two double bogeys.

"I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there," she said. "I hit a lot of good shots just to the wrong spots."

The University of Miami recruit is playing on a sponsor exemption.

https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/46958813/kai-trump-shoots-13-83-lpga-tour-debut-last-field

https://www.chatsports.com/boston-bruins/a/source/understanding-sponsor-exemption-in-golf-impact-benefits-and-controversies-17903629

[NoRethugFriends]

1. See quote below. A true Trump

Last edited Sat Nov 15, 2025, 09:08 AM - Edit history (1)

"I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there," she said. "I hit a lot of good shots just to the wrong spot"

[dhol82]

5. Participation?

She probably got lots of participation trophies while growing up.

[Auggie]

11. A "great shot" could have a straight path and be the right distance, just not aimed correctly

Besides, she's 18 and not necessarily media savvy. Give her a break.

[RockCreek]

12. she's a Trump

and all that goes with it in terms of grooming.

[Auggie]

14. You're attacking an 18-year old for trying to achieve a goal that does not affect you

And you're doing it with extreme prejudice.

[nitpicked]

2. Not every kid prospect can be the second coming at that age

Of Rose Zhang, Miles Russell, etc.

That's what IMO college golf is for, to develop the adult body and determine if someone may be able to make it a pro career.

[RockCreek]

13. And why she should be doing that, not getting pro exemptions

Those come because of who she is

[RandySF]

3. Isn't she still 18?

Not to root for a Trump but maybe she needs time.

[The Madcap]

4. "FAKE NEWS!!!"

"THESE CLAIMS ARE AN ATTACK ON FREEDOM. I TAUGHT HER GOLF MYSELF. I AM THE GREATEST GOLFER EVER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!"

Likely thoughts in that addled brain.

[3Hotdogs]

10. Likely thoughts in that addled brain. I'll show ya addled thoughts --- "Did'ja ever see any pictures of her?

If she wasn't my granddaughter I'd be dating her."



Interesting to think on -- if he plays a round with her, will he cheat? Will she cheat (is it genetic?) Will they both cheat?

[True Dough]

6. The kid

will learn to cheat, just like grampy.

[chicoescuela]

7. I would've shot a 68 but gramps' secret service wasn't there to kick my bad shots

out of the rough and sand traps for me.

[tonkatoy8888]

9. 13 over par

Makes her social calendar planning easier....she'll always be free on Saturday and Sunday shooting 13 over par.

[ProfessorGAC]

15. For The Non-Golfers On This Thread

An 83 is not a terrible score, but it is at a professional golf tournament.
And, one does not hit "a lot of great shots" but shoot 13 over because of "bad spots". Unless of course she has a VERY substandard short game and us a bad putter. So, there's an element of delusion in her assessment.
Finally there are a few hundred collegiate golfers who could have played better on that sponsor exemption, but the sponsor wouldn't have a token worth future favors.
Finally, collegiate golfers with potential for their respective pro tours are already world class at 18. Maybe not best in the world level, but world class. World class golfers with nothing on the line don't shoot 13 over par.
We have people on this thread castigating others for being critical. But, my critique is based on golf.
From purely a golf perspective, she didn't belong in that field.