Kai Trump Improves by 8 Strokes, Still Misses Cut at LPGA Annika Event
Kai Trump, an 18-year-old high school senior, participated in an LPGA Tour event at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Despite an impressive personal improvement, she did not make the cut.
Kai Trump’s Performance at the LPGA Annika Event
Trump finished the two rounds with a score of 18-over par, placing her last among 108 competitors. She was 27 strokes behind the leader, Grace Kim, and 17 shots over the projected cut line. However, Trump improved her score significantly, reducing her strokes by eight in the second round, ending with a score of 75.
Round Breakdown
- Round 1 (Thursday): 83
- Round 2 (Friday): 75
- Total Strokes: 18-over par
During her first round, Trump faced challenges with nine bogeys, two double bogeys, and only one birdie. In contrast, her second round featured moments of brilliance, including a birdie on the par-three third hole. Despite facing setbacks like a triple bogey on the fifth hole, she managed to birdie three of the next six holes.
Embracing the Challenge
Trump showed resilience, laughing off her triple bogey and expressing a positive mindset about her performance. She stated, “Things are going to happen. The best thing I could do is move on.” Her light-hearted response to challenges signifies her mental strength.
Support and Criticism
As the granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, she received both support and scrutiny. Many critics highlighted her privileged status, which helped her secure a sponsor exemption to the event. Dan Doyle Jr., the owner of Pelican Golf Club, acknowledged that her presence was more about attracting viewers rather than strictly talent.
“The idea of the exemption… is to bring attention to an event,” Doyle commented, noting her significant social media following and the visibility she brought to women’s golf.
Future Aspirations
Kai Trump currently attends the Benjamin School in Palm Beach and plans to enroll at the University of Miami next year. Ranked No. 461 by the American Junior Golf Association, Trump is gradually stepping into the spotlight of professional golf.
Reflecting on the Experience
Despite the pressure and public attention, Trump found the experience enjoyable. She participated in a pro-am round with tournament host Annika Sorenstam. Sorenstam noted Trump’s ability to cope with criticism, reflecting on her own past challenges as a young golfer receiving public scrutiny.
Sorenstam’s participation in the event, as the first woman in 58 years to play in a PGA Tour event, parallels Trump’s journey in terms of breaking through barriers. Both athletes highlight the importance of visibility for women’s sports.
