Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, is set to make her LPGA Tour debut this week at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge event at Pelican Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

The 18-year-old has received advice and encouragement from some of the most recognizable names in golf — including Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and the President himself, as reported by the New York Post.

Trump earned a sponsor’s exemption to play in the tournament, a decision that has drawn attention and criticism due to her limited competitive record and large social media following of nearly nine million across platforms.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

The high school senior, who has committed to the University of Miami, has had modest results in junior events but has become one of the most talked-about amateurs in recent months.

Woods, who is dating Trump’s mother, Vanessa, offered advice before the tournament. “I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world. I would say that. And even better person,” Kai Trump said Tuesday. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”

Kai Trump got some advice from Tiger Woods ahead of her LPGA debut. https://t.co/CXDyKQz2gk pic.twitter.com/cxVQGSYa6V

— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) November 12, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

On Monday, Trump played nine holes during a pro-am event with tournament host and World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam. Sorenstam praised Trump’s ability to handle the spotlight and encouraged patience from critics.

“I just don’t know how she does it, honestly,” Sorenstam said.

“To be (18) years old and hear all the comments, she must be super tough on the inside. I’m sure we can all relate what it’s like to get criticism here and there, but she gets it a thousand times.”

Sorenstam added, “We want her to feel like family here, and I want her to feel welcome. I mean, give this girl a chance, right? I think that’s our responsibility this week.”

Dan Doyle Jr., owner of Pelican Golf Club and CEO of Tampa-based DEX Imaging, extended the sponsor exemption to Trump. “The idea of the exemption, when you go into the history of exemptions, is to bring attention to an event,” Doyle said.

“You got to see (Kai Trump) live. She’s lovely to speak to, and she brought a lot of viewers through Instagram and things like that that normally don’t watch women’s golf.”

Trump said she accepted the invitation immediately, adding that her ball-striking remains her strength, though she is still working to improve around the greens. Her recent appearance at the Junior Invitational resulted in scores of 89-79-83-89, placing her last in the 24-player field.

She also shared advice from her grandfather, President Donald Trump. “My grandpa pretty much told me go out there and have fun. Just don’t get nervous. Try my best not to,” she said.

When asked about their golf games, she described the President as “pretty good,” but declined to reveal whether she had ever beaten him.

As Trump prepares for her first professional event, expectations remain modest, but Sorenstam emphasized the value of the experience. “I don’t think anybody here is thinking that she will be the one holding the trophy on Sunday,” Sorenstam said.

“Just make the most out of this week. There will be lessons learned. Take them to the future and learn.”