Kai Trump says LPGA tour debut tougher than politics: ‘More nerve-wracking than the RNC’

BELLEAIR, FLORIDA: Kai Trump, the granddaughter of President Donald Trump, said the pressure of her professional LPGA Tour debut was more intense than her previous national political appearance.

Playing on a sponsor's exemption, Trump said her first shots at ‘The ANNIKA’ tournament were "more nerve-wracking" than addressing the Republican National Convention in 2024. “I would say the first two shots were more nerve-wracking than the RNC,” Trump added.

Kai Trump confesses first two shots more nerve-wracking than RNC

Kai Trump is the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr. and has grown up in the public eye, speaking at the RNC to show “the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see.”

But the enormous expectations and spotlight surrounding her competitive debut at Pelican Golf Club created a different kind of pressure. Her hands shook slightly as she stood over her first tee shot next to a major champion. After a jittery start, including four opening bogeys, she admitted, “I would say the first two shots were more nerve-wracking than the RNC.”

The surge of adrenaline contributed to her powerful driving. “The whole time, I was hitting it way farther than I normally do,” Trump said.

Annika Sorenstam defends Trump’s tough start amid pressure

Trump’s 13-over-par 83 in the first round placed Kai last after the opening day, highlighting the gap between elite junior golf and a field stacked with top professionals. Despite the rough start, flashes of potential and resilience were visible throughout the day. She finally steadied on the par-4 18th hole, hitting a 3-wood over water to card a par. “That was honestly the hole I was worried most about, and parred that, and I felt like, all right, now we got that out of the way, let's keep moving on,” she said.

Tournament host Annika Sorenstam defended the highly scrutinized sponsor's exemption, saying: “That’s a pretty good score actually. It’s not the easiest, the greens are probably the fastest she’s ever seen, and it’s longer than she normally plays in junior events. I’m proud of her. There’s a lot of pressure on her. Everybody is staring her down. Good for her. I’m sure she wanted to be in a better position, but it’s not easy out here.”

Kai Trump remains optimistic about scores

Trump remained upbeat, saying, “The whole time I was nervous without a doubt. But I thought I did pretty good for a first time, being the youngest player in the field. Now I kind of know how it goes.”

Her support network included her grandfather, whose advice was to “have fun, don’t get nervous,” and Tiger Woods, who encouraged her to “go with the flow.” Coach Jim Garren said she measured up physically to the pros. “Off the tee, she handled herself with the best in the world,” Garren said.