Other than being Donald Trump’s oldest and most public-facing grandchild, she loves golf. She has already committed to attend the University of Miami next year and play on the golf team, and she’s got endorsement deals with golf brands Callaway and TaylorMade. All of that would make it seem like she’s got a bright future ahead of her in the sport, and you know, maybe she does! Unfortunately, though, her LPGA debut on Thursday did not go great. The 18-year-old came in last place out of a field of 108 players.
Kai played against active pros at a competition called the “Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Tournament” in Belleair, Florida. (What a mouthful.) To be fair, she was not exactly qualified to compete at this level. She was allowed to play thanks to a sponsor exemption, which means the tournament put her in the mix because of her last name and millions of Instagram followers. “Kai’s broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans,” the LPGA’s chief tour business and operations officer, Ricki Lasky, told the AP last month by way of explanation.
Kai shot a 13-over 83 in the tournament — for those of us who don’t follow golf, that is not what you want. Per ESPN, she “bogeyed the first four holes and finished the birdie-less round with nine bogeys and two double bogeys.” To translate: she did not shoot under par on a single hole.
Despite coming in last place, the vlogger kept her spirits high. “I was definitely more nervous than I expected, but I thought I hit a lot of great shots out there,” Kai told ESPN. “I hit a lot of good shots just to the wrong spots.” Well, I’m glad she’s staying positive.
“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,” Kai continued. “Felt like my game is in a good spot, and especially only being a senior in high school.”
Right, of course. We must remember that she is a senior in high school and was playing with professionals. In terms of her own age group, she is currently the 461st girl in the American Junior Golf Association’s rankings. Earlier this month, she competed in the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, which is billed as “the most prestigious event in junior golf.” She came in 24th out of 24. Interpret that information how you will.
Despite all of that, Kai does have a secret weapon. Her mother, Vanessa Trump, is told reporters ahead of the tournament. Sounds like she took that to heart.