Kai Trump Misses Cut But Gains Confidence In LPGA Appearance

Kai Trump, an 18-year-old high school senior, played in an LPGA Tour event at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Her chance to compete came not just from her golf skills but also from her family name, as she is the granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Still, for Kai, the tournament was a chance to learn, compete, and gain experience at a level far above normal high school play.

On Thursday, during the first round, Kai admitted she felt “definitely really nervous.” She was playing against some of the best professional golfers in the world, and the pressure of the moment affected her. Her shots were inconsistent, and her nerves clearly showed in her performance. The tension of the moment made the opening round tough, and she struggled to find rhythm.

On Friday, however, she stepped onto the course feeling very different. Kai said she was “very calm and peaceful,” a big change from the day before. This improved mindset helped her play much better. She shot a 75 in the second round, which was eight strokes better than her first day. Even though she still finished last among the 108 players in the field, her personal improvement was clear and meaningful.

Her total score at the end of the two rounds was 18-over par. This placed her 27 shots behind the leader, Grace Kim, and 17 strokes behind the projected cut line needed to continue in the weekend rounds. That meant her tournament ended on Friday. Still, the difference between her first and second rounds showed growth. Many young golfers struggle the first time they enter a professional-level tournament, and Kai handled the challenge with maturity.

Every move Kai made was watched closely, not just because she was a young player but because of her famous last name. That added pressure could easily affect any teenager, especially in a professional sports environment. But she remained composed and continued focusing on her game. For a high school senior, simply staying calm under such attention was an achievement on its own.

The event was hosted by Annika Sorenstam, one of the greatest golfers in LPGA history. Playing in a tournament connected to such a respected figure made the experience even more special. Competing at Pelican Golf Club gave Kai a chance to see firsthand how professionals prepare, practice, and perform.

While the results were not enough to advance, the lessons Kai learned may be more valuable. She experienced both the nerves of the first round and the calm improvement of the second. She learned how to handle pressure, how to reset her mind, and how to adjust her approach when something is not working.

For a young golfer still growing and developing, the LPGA event was an important step. Kai left the course with confidence that she can improve, compete harder, and return stronger. Missing the cut was not the end—it was simply part of the journey. Her steady improvement from one day to the next showed that she has the ability to grow and adapt.

Kai Trump’s performance may not have been close to the leaders, but her message afterward was clear: she learned, she grew, and she felt proud of how she finished. For a teenager on such a big stage, that kind of experience can shape a future in the sport. Even without making the cut, she walked away with something just as valuable—belief in her ability to get better.