In Spite of Missed Cut, Kai Trump Grateful for Chance to Make LPGA Debut This Week at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican

By Doug Milne

“My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour, and I am thrilled to be able to compete at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican,” said Kai Trump in her Tuesday pre-tournament press conference. “This event will be an incredible experience. I look forward to meeting and competing against so many of my heroes and mentors in golf as I make my LPGA Tour debut.”

BELLEAIR, Fla. – While the 18-year-old amateur missed the cut in her first LPGA Tour event this week, Kai Trump departed Pelican Golf Club on Friday with a renewed sense of gratitude.

After all, what female teenager with dreams of one day competing on the LPGA Tour wouldn’t appreciate the opportunity.

“I didn't play the way I wanted obviously, but for my first LPGA event ever I think I played pretty good,” said Trump. “I learned a lot and had a great time out there. It was amazing.”

With nerves a factor, Trump opened with a 13-over 83 but managed to settle for round two, posting a 5-over 75 – a round that included four birdies – and an 8-stroke improvement over day one.

“She recovered really well,” Annika said. “She said she wasn’t nervous by the time round two rolled around, and that is what it takes. It takes getting experience. With anything you do in life, the first time might not be the best, so I’m super proud of her.”

“I do believe this tournament is about growing the game and inspiring the next generation of golfers,” Annika continued. “So, I’m not surprised to see the sponsor invites we had. It just so happens that one brought a little more exposure.”

Based on the numbers, The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican brought more than just a little more exposure. According to Cision Analytics, Friday’s second round saw a 180 percent increase in worldwide media coverage over round two of the event in 2024. That percentage is based on media mentions across television, print, online, radio and magazines. From Monday through Friday of this year, there was a 67 percent increase.

Even though she is not competing on the weekend, by all accounts, her LPGA Tour debut was not only a learning experience, but also a building block for her professional golf aspirations that she will undoubtedly take with her to the University of Miami this fall.