Trump’s Granddaughter Joins Miami Golf Team

Kai Trump knew more than a year ago that she wanted to attend the University of Miami and play golf for the Hurricanes.

sarah

Nov 13, 2025 - 20:56

Trump’s Granddaughter Joins Miami Golf Team

Miami announced on Thursday, the first day of the NCAA Division I signing window for most sports, that Kai Trump is part of its women's golf signing class. She completed a letter of intent last week at a ceremony at her high school, not far from her grandfather's Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, but due to NCAA rules regarding signing dates, Miami has not yet been able to accept her signing or her commitment.

No one knows how she will fare in college. But one thing is certain: Miami golf is about to receive even more attention.

"We consider any potential exposure for Miami golf a positive thing," said Hurricanes coach Janice Olivencia. "Our current team is a very mature and intelligent group of women. Therefore, we expect them to handle all the attention with great patience and enthusiasm."

Kai Trump was part of the Hurricanes' three-player recruiting team, which also signed Bella Dowe from Orlando and Carly Rogers from Tennessee. Olivencia said Dowe will bring the "complete package" to the Hurricanes, and Rogers – one of her state's top junior players – will "come to Coral Gables with a championship record and an impressive record against some of the best junior competitors."

Donald Trump Jr.'s daughter, Kai Trump, has committed to Miami in August 2024. She is making her LPGA debut this week at The Annika at Pelican Golf Club, and at a press conference there on Wednesday, she explained why she chose Miami.

Kai Trump said, "I love the coaches. It's close to home. It's a great school." "I love the people there. My cousins went there too, so I know the people who go there. You know, it's a great university, and I'm looking forward to playing for them."

Kai Trump will play her first match at The Annika on Thursday at 12:32 p.m. Eastern Time, where she will face Hinako Shibuno of Japan and Olivia Cowan of Germany.

The president's eldest granddaughter is an influential figure on social media; her behind-the-scenes video from election night has been viewed more than 5.1 million times on YouTube, and a video of her with her grandfather at the Ryder Cup has been viewed nearly 2 million times on YouTube alone. And yes, she plays golf with her grandfather, whose passion for the sport is no secret.

"We play a lot. We have a great time out there," said Kai Trump.

She is making her LPGA debut this week thanks to a sponsor's exemption. Tournament host and Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam played with Kai Trump earlier this week and said she was impressed by the 17-year-old's ability to ask questions.

Sorenstam said, "Honestly, I don't know how she does it. It must be really overwhelming to hear so many comments at 17. I'm sure we all understand what it's like to hear criticism here and there, but she's been through it a thousand times."

Kai Trump is open about the strengths and weaknesses of her game. She's a powerful hitter; even Sorenstam was impressed by her length off the tee. Her short game—her ability to circle the greens—is still developing.

"Kai will bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to Miami," Olivencia said. "She is a multi-sport athlete with a strong competitive spirit and a genuine love for the game of golf. Kai is very committed to her development as both a player and a person. And her emphasis on growth will propel her to new heights."

The university hasn't provided many details about what the US president's granddaughter's campus visit will be like, but the Hurricanes hope Kai Trump's college experience will be as normal as possible.

Olivencia said, "Our team has been very welcoming. They trust us to continue to invite players into the program who will contribute in their own way and elevate this team. Furthermore, we are very fortunate at Miami to have abundant resources and excellent support systems. This class will certainly receive everything our current student-athletes receive at The U as soon as they arrive on campus."