Kai Trump to Debut at ANNIKA Nov. 13–16

Eighteen‑year‑old Kai Trump, daughter of Donald Trump Jr., received a sponsor exemption to make her LPGA Tour debut at The ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, Nov. 13–16. The Benjamin School senior, who has committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami, competes in AJGA events and is ranked about No. 461 in junior standings. Tournament organizers and the LPGA cited her more-than-six-million social‑media following and a recent apparel partnership as reasons the $3.25 million penultimate event — which will feature top players including Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu — awarded her one of three sponsor exemptions alongside Anne‑Sterre den Dunnen and Lauryn Nguyen. The exemption has drawn criticism from some observers who say sponsor invites should be based on on‑course credentials rather than name recognition; Kai said the opportunity was a dream and that she looks forward to competing and learning from established professionals.