Kai Trump is set to make her professional golf debut
Rory McIlroy has expressed admiration for Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, who is preparing to make her professional golf debut this week.
Kai, the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, is set to compete at The Annika event, marking her first appearance on the LPGA Tour. Earlier this year, in March, she played a round with McIlroy at the Genesis Open and documented the experience on her YouTube channel.
The Holywood golfer was clearly impressed when Trump executed a skilful shot from the rough onto the green, positioning herself favourably. “Good shot Kai,” he praised, before remarking: “You’re too good for this YouTube golf.”
Trump is amongst more than 100 players, including WNBA star Caitlin Clark, taking part in The Annika, a pro-am tournament beginning on Thursday. Her participation has generated debate owing to her prominent grandfather, who is himself an avid golfer, reports the Mirror.
At a pre-tournament press conference, she was questioned about whether the president would be in attendance. “He’s not coming this weekend,” she explained, reports the Irish Mirror.
“He’s running the world right now, so a little busy.
“To me he’s just a normal grandpa. Always has been. I would just say it’s like having a normal grandpa. There is nothing different I would say. It’s pretty cool obviously, but to me it’s just normal.”
Speaking about the president’s golfing prowess, Trump commented: “He’s pretty good. He’s pretty good. We have some tight matches. Yeah, can’t say much. Yeah, we have some tight matches.”
When questioned if she has ever outplayed her grandfather on the golf course, she remained elusive and responded: “I’ll leave that up to you to decide. We play a lot. We have a great time out there. We’re always on the same team as well.”
With a hefty £2.5m prize pot at stake at The Annika, Kai has secured one of three sought-after sponsor exemptions for the tournament. Currently ranked No.
461 by the American Junior Golf Association, Kai first gained attention during last year’s Republican National Convention.
The teenager, who has committed to playing golf at the University of Miami in 2026, has an impressive following of over six million across social platforms and recently launched a clothing and lifestyle brand aimed at empowering young women in sport.
She revealed that Tiger Woods, who is dating her mother, has been offering her advice ahead of The Annika. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
She continued: “He is the best golfer in the entire world. And even better person.”
Kai also expressed her enthusiasm about the chance to learn from and compete with some of the world’s top players. She added: “I think I’m going to learn a lot no matter what happens.
“I’m just going to go out there and have fun and see which way it goes. I’m going to take a lot away from it. Obviously, competing with the best players is going to be cool.
“To be inside the ropes with them, playing with them, learning what kind of shots they hit, what do they do on the course. So, yeah, just looking forward to it and playing with the best.”
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