Kai Trump Faces Challenges in LPGA Tour Debut Opener
Kai Trump faced a challenging beginning in her highly anticipated LPGA Tour debut on November 13, 2025. The 18-year-old, who is committed to play golf at the University of Miami, finished her first professional round at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge with a score of 13-over 83 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
Kai Trump’s First Round Overview
Starting her day on the 10th hole, Trump encountered immediate difficulties. She recorded four consecutive bogeys before making par on the par-5 14th hole. Her performance continued to fluctuate as she closed her first nine holes with a score of 6-over 41, placing her near the bottom of the leaderboard.
Performance Breakdown
- First Nine Holes: 6-over 41
- Second Nine Holes: 7-over 42
- Final Score: 13-over 83
During her second nine, Trump started with a bogey followed by a double bogey on the first two holes. She managed to regain some control with two consecutive pars but struggled again with a double bogey on the par-5 5th hole. Trump finished her round by shooting par on the 6th and 8th holes, while adding bogeys on the 7th and 9th.
Nerves and Support
On her debut day, Kai Trump expressed that she felt more anxious about her opening tee shot than when she previously spoke at the Republican National Convention. She attributed her nerves to the high expectations surrounding her debut and shared advice she received from her grandfather, former President Donald Trump. Trump stated, “My grandpa pretty much told me to go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous.”
Family and Friends in Attendance
Supporting her from the sidelines, Trump’s mother, Vanessa Trump, was present along with Miami assistant coach Jim Garren. Additionally, she received encouragement from her mother’s boyfriend, golf legend Tiger Woods, who reminded her to enjoy the experience and go with the flow.
Despite the pressures, Kai Trump’s inaugural LPGA Tour event garnered attention, with many spectators present to watch her compete. However, she faces the challenge of needing a strong performance in the upcoming rounds to make the 36-hole cut.
Current Leaderboard
- Haeran Ryu: 6-under 64 (leading after Day 1)
The Annika Driven by Gainbridge event runs through Sunday, providing Trump with additional opportunities to showcase her skills in front of an audience.
