A familiar last name is about to make its mark on the LPGA Tour. Kai Madison Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to debut on golf’s grand stage this November at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge. The prestigious tournament, hosted by Swedish legend Annika Sörenstam, will be held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, from November 13–16, 2025.
Trump’s inclusion comes through one of the tournament’s three sponsor invitations, joining the Netherlands’ Anne-Sterre den Dunnen and America’s Lauryn Nguyen. Her invitation is already sparking interest both inside and outside golf circles. For many, it’s a mix of curiosity and anticipation—can the Trump name translate from politics to professional golf success? Kai seems determined to prove it can.
Announcing her debut on Instagram, Kai expressed pure excitement. “I’m thrilled to announce that I will be making my LPGA Tour debut this November at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge,” she said in her video post. “It’s been a dream of mine to compete at the professional level, and I’d like to thank Pelican Golf Club for the invitation. I can’t wait to tee it up with the best.”
The young golfer’s passion for the sport isn’t newfound. Kai has been committed to her game for years, competing in junior and amateur circuits across the United States. Currently attending The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, she’s already committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami starting in the fall of 2026. Her steady rise through the junior ranks has impressed many coaches and scouts along the way.
On the South Florida PGA Srixon Medalist Tour, Trump has shown flashes of brilliance, highlighted by a tied-for-third finish in July 2025. She has also been active on the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) circuit, gaining valuable experience against elite competition. Those close to her describe her as disciplined, composed, and competitive—traits that could make her transition to the LPGA smoother than most.
Beyond the fairways, Kai Trump has also been in the public eye for her family’s legacy. Yet she’s determined to carve her own path. Earlier this year, she attended the 2025 Ryder Cup alongside her grandfather, calling the experience “even better than I expected.” In one of her YouTube vlogs, she shared, “I’ve always dreamed of going to the Ryder Cup. It was amazing to experience it with my grandpa—it made it even more special.”
Her presence at The ANNIKA adds another layer of intrigue to a tournament already stacked with star power. The field includes golf’s biggest names—former World No. 1 Nelly Korda, England’s Charley Hull, and Canada’s Brooke Henderson. WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark will also make an appearance in the Pro-Am, continuing a crossover tradition that bridges major sports. It’s a lineup that guarantees both elite competition and high entertainment value.
Korda, in particular, will draw attention as she returns to defend her title. The 2024 edition saw her capture her seventh LPGA title of the season and her third victory at The ANNIKA, following wins in 2021 and 2022. Her record at the event is remarkable—each triumph marked by resilience, poise, and an uncanny ability to perform under pressure. Few doubt she’ll be the woman to beat again in 2025.
That 2024 victory was especially memorable. Korda mounted a stunning comeback, firing five straight birdies on the back nine to seize control in near darkness after a long day of play. Her duel with Charley Hull lit up the closing holes and reminded fans why she’s considered one of the best competitors of her generation. This year, she’ll chase her fourth ANNIKA title—and a possible return to the World No. 1 ranking.
For Kai Trump, the tournament represents more than just her first professional appearance—it’s the start of a journey to prove that talent, not legacy, defines her. She’s entering a world where performance speaks louder than pedigree, surrounded by the toughest players on the planet. Whether she shines immediately or takes time to find her footing, one thing is clear: the Trump name is about to echo across the fairways of the LPGA Tour in an entirely new way.
