Kai Trump Explains Performance in LPGA Debut: 'More Nervous Than I Expected'

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Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, made her professional debut on the LPGA Tour on Thursday.

Things didn’t exactly go the way she had drawn them up.

In the 108-player field competing in The Annika in Belleair, Florida, Kai finished 108th. At the end of the day, she found herself in last place after shooting a 13-over 83.

Her tumultuous round saw her land bogeys on the first four holes, nine bogeys total, two double bogeys, and no birdies. Reflecting on her round, Kai admitted to feeling more nervous than anticipated.

Still, she kept her head held high and found a silver lining.

“I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there,” she said. “I hit a lot of good shots just to the wrong spots.”

Kai Trump says her first LPGA experience was pretty ‘cool’

Golfweek, which followed Ms. Trump around during her LPGA debut, noted that despite the last-place finish, Kai had actually matched her junior golf scoring average and had the biggest crowd following her on the links by far.

“Teeing it up at an LPGA event on a sponsor invitation alongside the best players in the world was an extraordinary leap from what she’s previously experienced inside the ropes,” they wrote.

“And yet, the eldest granddaughter of President Donald J. Trump easily boasts the most recognizable name in the field.”

Golfweek described her first foray amongst the pros as “a resounding success.”

Despite the nerves and despite the last-place finish, Kai Trump agrees that her first shot at an LPGA tour event was successful. Not to mention “cool.”

“It was pretty cool because I know I hit it far, but kind of playing with the best players in the world and being literally right there or even outdriving on some of the holes, it felt pretty good,” she said, reminding golf fans that she’s just getting started.

“Felt like my game is in a good spot, and especially only being a senior in high school.”

She still had some highlights to write home to her grandpa about this week. Taking part in Wednesday’s pro-am portion for The Annika tournament, ahead of her LPGA debut, Kai Trump was wowing fans, hitting a birdie on a par 3.

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Some advice from Tiger Woods

Aside from being the granddaughter of the President of the United States, Kai Trump also received some advice from another very famous and very avid golfer before the event.

Tiger Woods, who is dating Kai’s mother, Vanessa, offered some simple but well-received advice.

“I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” Ms. Trump said. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”

Kai has built a social media following through YouTube videos, including recent ones of playing golf with her grandfather at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C.

“I just don’t view it as him being the president. I view it as he’s my grandpa. We’re gonna go out there and play golf,” she told Fox News Digital. “We play golf all the time. It’s nothing new.”

A high school senior who recently committed to the University of Miami, Ms. Trump says she remains committed to pursuing a professional career, vowing to “give it my best shot.”