LIV Golf Star Impressed With LPGA Rookie Debut

Kai Trump’s first appearance on the LPGA Tour didn’t unfold the way she had hoped. The 18-year-old high school senior opened with an 83 in the first round of The ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, placing her at the bottom of the 108-player field. She responded with a five-over 75 in round two, but it still wasn’t enough to advance to the weekend. The event provided Trump with valuable experience as she prepares to begin her college golf career at the University of Miami next year.

Bryson DeChambeau, who embraced the president’s granddaughter during the Ryder Cup, came away impressed by Trump’s performance. "She shot five-over the second round, which is really, it’s actually really impressive. We didn't know how she was going to do, she handled herself very well, and what a great opportunity… I was talking to [tournament host] Annika [Sorenstam]. She's a part of the council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, and we were just talking about how, you know, ‘What do you think about it?’ We were both talking, and this is a great opportunity. She's like, 'There's plenty of others that have gotten invites that didn't do well, but it was a great experience for them. And I think it's going to be a great experience for her.'

"It was awesome to see her go out there and compete doing what she loves doing, and she's getting better," DeChambeau added. "We'll see what the story has for her, but she's a grinder and a competitor, and it's fun to see her out there competing with some of the best in the world, even though there's a long way to go, but she is a grinder. You never know." After wrapping up her second round, Trump said she felt much calmer than she had on day one, and that sense of ease contributed to her better score. "For the first day I was definitely really nervous. I think the nerves just got to me," she said. "When I went out there today, I felt very calm and peaceful, to be honest with you. That’s why I played better.”