As the buzz around the LPGA Tour event “The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge” heats up, all eyes are on an intriguing participant: Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of former President Donald Trump. This exciting tournament is taking place at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, from November 13 to 16. Kai, who boasts a staggering 2.5 million followers on Instagram—outnumbering the combined followers of the top five players in the current Rolex Rankings—has certainly grabbed attention beyond the golf course.

Invited to play through a Sponsor’s Exemption, Kai’s participation has been a hot topic, with some critics arguing that her invitation could have gone to a more skilled competitor. However, Justin Sheehan, COO of the Pelican Golf Club, emphasized that this decision has brought significant media attention to the tournament, echoing sentiments shared by Annika Sorenstam, the tournament host and a 72-time LPGA champion. Sorenstam noted that the sponsors ultimately decide whom to invite, and the LPGA supports these invitations as a way to promote women’s golf and attract new talent.

Kai’s Journey in Golf

Kai Trump is currently ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Rolex Junior Rankings, with an average score of 83.6 across three AJGA tournaments in 2025. Despite her ranking, she remains undeterred and has her sights set on collegiate golf next year at the University of Miami. Her most prestigious tournament to date, the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, saw her finish last, trailing by 22 strokes. Nevertheless, she expresses excitement about competing alongside some of the best players in the world on the LPGA Tour.

Her connection to golf runs deep, as she attends the Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, the same school that Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, also attends. Adding to her unique story, Allan Kournikova, brother of former tennis star Anna Kournikova, will caddy for her during the tournament. Kai has also made headlines with several Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals including partnerships with TaylorMade and Accelerator Active Energy. Additionally, she launched her own clothing line in September, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Community Reactions and Future Aspirations

While some critics have raised eyebrows at her inclusion, it’s clear that Kai Trump is making strides in the golf world. She has openly stated that it’s her dream to compete at this level, and she looks forward to the experience that comes with competing in such a high-profile event. The attention surrounding her participation is undeniable, and it could very well pave the way for her future in the sport.

As the tournament approaches, the anticipation continues to build. There are no public plans for President Trump to attend the event, but regardless, Kai’s debut will be a significant moment in her young career. With the support of her family and the golf community, we’ll be watching closely to see how she performs on this grand stage.

For more in-depth details about Kai Trump and her journey, you can check out the full article on Golf Digest and insights from Sports Illustrated.