Kai Trump: US President’s granddaughter last after first round on LPGA debut

Leaderboard for Annika first round

-6 H Ryu (Kor); -5 G Kim (Aus); -4 J Kupcho (US); -3 C Hull (Eng), S Lee (Kor), L Maguire (Ire), M Saigo (Jpn)

Notable others: +1 N Korda (US), L Thompson (US); +13 K Trump (US)

Complete leaderboard

A «anxious» Kai Trump recorded a round of 13-over-par during her LPGA debut, finishing the first day of the Annika tournament in last position.

The 18-year-old amateur, granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, encountered two double bogeys and nine bogeys during her initial round in Florida.

«I was certainly more anxious than I had anticipated, but I believed I made a lot of great shots out there. I placed several good shots just in the wrong locations,» Trump stated.

«And clearly as it was my first LPGA event, I now have a better understanding of how it operates. I felt slightly out of sorts at the start, but I managed to find my rhythm later on.»

Trump has participated in just three events this year and currently holds the 461st position in the American Junior Golf Association rankings.

She obtained a sponsor’s exemption to compete at the Annika but concluded the first day trailing her nearest competitor by four shots and 19 shots behind the leader, South Korea’s Haeran Ryu at six under.

«I was definitely nervous throughout,» Trump remarked. «I felt I performed decently for a first time, being the youngest competitor in the field. I had an enjoyable experience out there.»

The LPGA indicated that Trump’s «wide following and influence are promoting golf to new audiences, notably among younger fans».

She boasts over six million followers on social media and has recently unveiled her own clothing and lifestyle brand.

Charley Hull from England and Leona Maguire from Ireland are three shots behind the leader after recording three-under-par 67s.