It was a roller-coaster start for Kai Trump in her anticipated LPGA Tour debut on Thursday, and the University of Miami commit finished her first professional round of golf with a 13-over 83.
Following her first round, Trump told reporters that she was more nervous for her opening tee shot than he was when she spoke at the Republican National Convention, Golf Channel reported.
Trump said she felt like she played “pretty good” on Thursday.
Teeing off on the 10th hole to start her day in the opening round of The Annika at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla., the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump proceeded to hit four bogeys on her first four holes before making par on the par-5 14th.
She made par on holes 16 and 18, while shooting bogeys on 15 and 17.
Kai Trump plays her shot from the 16th tee during the first round of The Annika Driven by Gainbridge on Nov. 13, 2025. Getty Images
The event marked Kai Trump’s first LPGA Tour debut. ZUMAPRESS.com
Trump finished her first nine holes at the bottom of the pack with a 6-over 41.
Her second nine holes started off with a bogey and double bogey on holes 1 and 2. She then shot par on the next two holes, while posting another double bogey on the par-5 5th hole.
Trump closed out the day shooting for par on holes 6 and 8, while shooting a bogey on holes 7 and 9.
The 18-year-old would need an impressive Friday round to make the 36-hole cut.
Haeran Ryu leads after the first day with a 6-under 64.
Her mom, Vanessa Trump, watched from Pelican Golf Club. ZUMAPRESS.com
Entering Thursday’s tournament, Trump — the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump — said she was trying to keep the nerves in check, citing advice she received from her grandfather.
“My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to,” Trump said.
The teen, set to play collegiately at the University of Miami, received a sponsor’s invite to this week’s event, drawing the ire of detractors.
Despite the criticism, Trump drew an audience for her first LPGA Tour event, with the Tampa Bay Times reporting Thursday “dozens watched” from the driving range before her 12:32 p.m. tee time.
Elsewhere on the course, mom Vanessa watched Trump from the 18th, along with Miami assistant coach Jim Garren, according to Golfweek.
Vanessa’s boyfriend, 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, also provided Trump with some words of encouragement before the big day.
Kai Trump received a sponsor’s invite to the event. ZUMAPRESS.com
“I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” Trump said. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
The Annika runs through Sunday.
