Kai Trump Speaks Out After Finishing Dead Last in LPGA Debut
Kai Trump gave a brutally honest interview after finishing with a first-round 13-over-par 83 on her LPGA debut at The ANNIKA before later missing the cut in round two.
Trump, 18, who is an amateur golfer and also happens to be the granddaughter of U.S. President Donald, finished bottom of the leaderboard on her debut.
The teenager entered the competition, which carries a prize pot of $3.2 million, thanks to a sponsorship exemption.
Pelican Golf Club is hosting the event in Belleair, Florida, with play set to run until Sunday.
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When Trump’s participation was confirmed, the LPGA said the 18-year-old had a “broad following” that appeals to “younger fans”.
And of course, Kai has had plenty of practice over the years, with her grandfather owning 17 courses around the world.
But she struggled on Thursday, finishing with nine bogeys and two double bogeys, which left her in last place while her mother, Vanessa, and coach Jim Garren were in attendance to offer words of support and advice.
The 18-year-old was the youngest and least experienced in the field, something she claimed was “scary” following the close of play.
Kai returned to the course on Friday and finished 18-over for the tournament, as well as missing the cut. She finished last of 108 players.
Speaking to Golf Channel on Friday, Kai discussed how she felt throughout her debut tournament.
“It’s been awesome,” she said. “It’s a lot of pressure, obviously, but I’ve been having a great time, especially today.
“I think the nerves have calmed down a little. Yesterday was a little scary, but today I feel more relaxed, and I feel like I’m ready to do this.
“The experience has been amazing, but I feel better today.”
The youngster also homed in on the biggest differences she noticed between herself and the professionals she shared the course with.
“How consistent they are,” the 18-year-old claimed.
“I hit it just as far, but their irons, even if they miss it, they’re still on the green.”
And despite falling short this time around, Trump has already signed up to play college golf and said she will be playing in several tournaments to gain experience in the coming months.
“Really, what’s next is just more tournaments,” she explained. “I just signed with the University of Miami on Wednesday, so I mean, more tournaments and eventually go to college.”
Kai has played in just three amateur competitions this term and is ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) rankings.
Topics: Golf, Donald Trump
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