Kai Trump shares hospital bed photo after ‘unexpected’ wrist surgery threatens golf season
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Kai Trump, the 19-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, revealed that she recently underwent unexpected surgery for a wrist injury sustained during her first golf tournament of the season.
The University of Miami freshman shared a photograph from her hospital bed on Instagram on Wednesday, October 14, showing her wrist wrapped and her arm in a sling. Kai, the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, said she decided to undergo surgery after consulting her family, coaches and athletic training staff. The young golfer acknowledged that recovery would take time but said she remained focused on her long-term health and future in the sport.
Kai Trump shares update after wrist surgery
In her Instagram post, Kai explained that she injured her wrist while competing at the 2026 Golfweek Fall Classic in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, held from September 6 to September 8.
Although she had hoped to avoid surgery, she said discussions with her family and support team helped her reach the decision.
“While I had hoped to avoid surgery, after talks with my family, coaches, and athletic training staff I know I made the best decision for my long-term health and my future in the game I love,” she wrote.
Kai also acknowledged that the procedure would affect her plans over the coming months.
“It’s certainly not how I envisioned the next few months, but sometimes the journey takes an unexpected turn, and I’m choosing to embrace this one with patience, and a whole lot of determination,” she added.
Kai Trump thanks medical team as she begins recovery
Kai said her recovery would require patience and thanked the people supporting her through the process.
She expressed gratitude to her teammates, coaches and family, as well as her doctor, Michelle Carlson, and the medical team at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
The golfer also highlighted the importance of having a strong support system during a difficult period in her athletic career.
Kai's decision to undergo surgery followed discussions with her family, coaches and athletic training staff. She said she believed the procedure was the right choice for protecting her long-term health and continuing her future in golf.
Will Kai Trump return to golf this season?
Kai did not specify a return-to-play date in her Instagram post. Instead, she said she was concentrating on her recovery and long-term future in the sport.
The wrist injury and subsequent surgery could affect her golf plans over the coming months, although she did not provide a specific timeline for her return to competition.
Her announcement marked an unexpected setback during her college golf career. However, Kai indicated that she was approaching the recovery process with patience and determination.
For now, the young golfer is prioritizing her health as she recovers from surgery, with her long-term future in golf remaining her stated focus.
