Kai was elated when she got the chance to debut her dream. But we all know how terrifying it can be, especially in a star-studded field like The Annika. But when it’s over, you walk away with a lot of lessons and an experience of a lifetime. Just like Kai.

“Yeah, I mean, things are going to happen. Once it happens, you can’t go back in time and fix it. The best thing I could do is move on. Like I told my caddie, Allan, and he kind of just started laughing. It is what it is. We got that out of the way, so let’s just move on. It was pretty easy to move on after that,” she told the media after missing the cut.

Kai’s first day showing was bad, as she was “really nervous.” She shot 13 over but showed improvement on the second day. The young golfer carded 5-over 75, eight strokes better than her opening round. This happened because she “felt very calm and peaceful.’ Tiger Woods’s advice is reflected in the answer. This was not good enough for her to make the cut, but just enough for everyone to see her potential. She missed the weekend by 17 strokes.

She found her first LPGA birdie on the second day. She then went on to birdie holes 7, 11, and 12. While she finished 18-over par to miss the cut, the event acted as a pivotal moment in her career, equipping her with crucial lessons. Her takeaway was ordinary but humble.

“I mean, honestly, just prepare. I did everything I could possibly have done for this tournament, so I think if you prepare right, the nerves can—I mean, they’re always going to be there, right? They can be a little softened. So I would just say that.”

Reflecting a poised demeanor and a wisdom well beyond her years, Kai has the attitude of an athlete, exactly what will look out for her during her collegiate career with Miami University, starting in 2026. How does she plan on celebrating her debut showdown?

The 18-year-old says the first thing she’ll tell her grandfather, President Donald Trump, is about her shot at the 18th hole and the near hole-in-one at the 12th. Kai might not have made the cut, but she has won the hearts of thousands with her relatable, grounded personality. Regardless, this debut has attracted a lot of attention, not all of it good.

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Kai Trump faces backlash at LPGA debut

Kai Trump’s sponsor exemption situation sparked immense controversy. Indeed, her last name and popularity come with their own downsides, with people believing her fame snubbed other amateurs who actually deserved the spot. Some people raised concerns over the political scenario, speculating that her family’s influence bought the spot for her.

Many brought up her lagging performance in the AJGA rankings, while many simply ruled her out as a PR stunt. A GolfMonthly article wrote “good business but bad optics,” while other news outlets mentioned her massive social media following to be her only input to the event’s reach.

However, event host Annika Sorenstam stepped up in Kai’s defense, revealing her values of inclusion, women’s golf reach, and impact. Former World No. 1 Nelly Korda, sitting at T6, also joined the conversation, siding with Kai.

“Yeah, I mean, I think it’s a great learning opportunity for her if she is serious about the game of golf. There is no better way to test your game than to play alongside the best players in the world. It will be a nice and fun experience for her, I’m sure,” Korda said.

Moreover, taking her loss as an encouraging next step in her golfing journey, Charley Hull also stepped in.

“That’s really good considering this is not just an easy LPGA event. This is probably one of the harder courses that we play on. So, for her to come out, she had to be so nervous. It was her first LPGA event. I remember my first event. I was really nervous, and she’s got a lot of pressure on her and a lot of eyes on her,” she told Golf Channel, acknowledging the intense pressure and nerves of a debut event.

While Kai Trump is still fresh from the painful loss, it appears she’s already prepared to take on her next endeavor. And the pouring warmth and support from the LPGA community goes on to show the strength and unity in women’s golf.