Kai Trump to make LPGA debut with support from President Trump and Tiger Woods

Kai Trump will not be short of high-profile supporters when she makes her LPGA debut on Thursday.

The 18-year-old, the granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, received a sponsor’s exemption to play at the Annika in Florida.

Trump, a keen golfer, owns 17 courses around the world – including three in the UK – and regularly competes against Kai.

“He’s pretty good. I can’t say much but we have some tight matches,” she said.

Kai said Trump, who is unable to attend the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, told her: “Just don’t get nervous.”

She said: “My grandpa pretty much told me to go out there and have fun.

“To me, he’s just a normal grandpa. He’s not coming this weekend. He’s running the world right now, so a little busy.”

Amateur Kai has played only three events this year and is ranked number 461 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings.

But she can call upon advice from 15-time major winner Tiger Woods, who is in a relationship with her mother Vanessa.

“He is the best golfer in the entire world,” said Kai.

“And he’s an even better person. He told me to go out there, have fun, go with the flow.”

Kai will compete against some of the biggest names in the sport at the Annika, including world number two Nelly Korda, who won her third title in the event last year, England’s Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson and 2023 champion Lilia Vu.

The LPGA said Kai’s “broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans”.

Kai has more than six million followers on social media and recently launched her own apparel and lifestyle brand.

She tees off at 17:30 GMT.