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For an 18-year-old in the national spotlight, Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of President Donald Trump, has had to deal with plenty of criticism and naysayers as she pursues a professional career in golf.
During a candid conversation with her aunt, Lara Trump, the future University of Miami golfer opened up about how she deals with these negative comments while staying focused on her goals.
“I stay away,” she responded during an interview with her aunt on “My View with Lara Trump.” “It doesn’t really affect me because I don’t know, I know who I am. It doesn’t really matter, to be honest. People say what they mean at the end of the day. I know what’s true and I know the type of person I am. It doesn’t really matter.”
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Lara and Kai Trump ride in a golf cart during an interview on PK Press Club’ “My View with Lara Trump.” (“My take on Lara Trump”)
Kai made her LPGA Tour debut at ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, earlier this month, and while it didn’t go exactly as she had planned, she still came away satisfied with the results of her very first professional event.
“The first day, I have never been so nervous in my entire life. It was like the [Republican National Convention] times 30,” Kai told his aunt as they drove a golf cart. “It was very scary. For the nerves, I played well the first day. Then the second day I went out there and I was like, “Okay, no more nerves.” » The nerves weren’t as bad and I did very well. So, I mean, it was a great experience. Thank you for this opportunity.”
The high school senior shot an 83 in the first round, which placed her in last place out of 108 players. But she bounced back on the second day with a score of 75 out of five. Unfortunately for Kai, that wasn’t enough to qualify for the weekend.
GOLF STAR IMPRESSED BY KAI TRUMP’S LPGA DEBUT DESPITE POOR RESULTS: “GREAT OPPORTUNITY”
However, the experience was invaluable for Kai, who will join the Miami Hurricanes golf team next year. She explained why she chose Miami during the interview.
“It’s really about the coaches. I love the program and I didn’t want to be so far from home either because I love coming home,” she said. “I love Florida. So it all came down to the coaches. The school is great for academics and the team is great,” she said.
Kai’s performance on the LPGA Tour may not have been what she wanted, but LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau recently told PK Press Club Digital that he saw things differently.
Amateur Kai Trump of the United States tees off the 16th tee during the first round of ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican 2025 at Pelican Golf Club on November 13, 2025 in Belleair, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
“She shot five points in the second round, which is really, really impressive,” he said. “We didn’t know how she was going to do, she did really well and what a great opportunity.
“I was talking to [tournament host] Annika [Sorenstam]. She’s on the Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Board, and we were just talking about how, you know, “What do you think?” » We were both talking, and it’s a great opportunity. She says: “There are many others who received invitations that didn’t work out well, but it was a great experience for them. And I think it’s going to be a great experience for her. It was great to see her go out there and compete doing what she loves to do, and she’s getting better.”
Of course, Kai also loves the times she spends time on the course with her grandfather. She called each of these rounds “very special” and looks forward to each time they can hit the links with their busy schedules.
Amateur Kai Trump of the United States plays her shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican 2025 at Pelican Golf Club on November 13, 2025 in Belleair, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
But Kai remains determined and focused on improving every day to check off her goals one by one, starting with her next four years as a Hurricanes golfer.
“I’m going to go to college for four years at the University of Miami, play golf for them there. Then, if I get any more invitations from sponsors, I’ll go play an LPGA Tour event here and there if I can fulfill those invitations. Then, after college, turn pro – that’s the plan. Obviously, that’s a lot easier said than done,” she said.
