Kai Trump, granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has officially signed with the University of Miami’s women’s golf programme just days before making her professional debut.
The university announced her commitment on Wednesday, coinciding with the opening of the NCAA Division I signing period for most sports. Although Kai completed her national letter of intent last week at her high school near Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, NCAA rules prevented Miami from publicly acknowledging the signing until now.
Kai committed to the Hurricanes more than a year ago and never reconsidered. Her arrival is expected to significantly elevate the visibility of Miami’s golf team.
Hurricanes head coach Janice Olivencia welcomed the attention:
“We view any added exposure as a positive for Miami golf. Our team is mature and grounded, and we’re confident they’ll manage the extra spotlight with professionalism and excitement.”
Kai, daughter of Donald Trump Jr., will make her LPGA debut this week at The Annika at Pelican Golf Club thanks to a sponsor’s exemption. She cited Miami’s staff and proximity to home as key reasons behind her long-standing commitment.
“I love the coaches. It’s close to home. It’s a great school,” she said. “Some of my cousins went there, so it already feels familiar. I’m really excited to play for them.”
A growing social media figure, Kai has amassed millions of views across YouTube most notably a behind-the-scenes video from election night (5.1 million views) and footage from her Ryder Cup appearance with her grandfather (around 2 million views).
Golf is a shared passion between her and Donald Trump.
“We play a lot,” she said. “We always have a great time.”
Her game has already caught the eye of tournament host and golf legend Annika Sorenstam, who recently played alongside her. Sorenstam praised Kai’s resilience amid public scrutiny and her impressive power off the tee.
“I don’t know how she does it,” Sorenstam said. “At 17, dealing with so many comments she must be incredibly strong inside.”
While Kai’s long game is considered a major strength, her short game and scoring around the greens remain areas she continues to refine.
Coach Olivencia expressed confidence in Kai’s impact at Miami:
“Kai brings incredible energy and competitiveness. She’s deeply committed to her development as both a player and a person, and that dedication will keep pushing her to new levels.”
The university has not addressed how the presence of Donald Trump’s granddaughter might affect campus life, but the programme hopes to provide as normal an environment as possible.