Kai Trump’s Miami golf coach weighs in on how LPGA debut could shape her D1 career: “She’s going to get better”

Kai Trump made her LPGA Tour debut on Thursday at The Annika at Pelican Golf Club, drawing attention as one of the youngest players in the field. While her first round didn’t go as planned, her coaches believed that the experience would help her grow as a golfer.

Trump will join the Miami Hurricanes next fall after signing with the program earlier this week. She also has a huge online following, with over 1.36 million fans, adding attention to her college golf journey.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Miami assistant coach Jim Garren said that playing in front of large audiences gave Trump an advantage heading into Division I competition.

“You can’t emulate the pressure it takes to play in front of this many people at her age. She’s been on a worldwide stage for a year now," Garren said.

He added that college golf will feel easier in comparison.

"Pressure for her when it comes to golf, teeing it up in a Division I golf tournament, that’s gonna be easier for her...Every time she hits the golf ball, she's under the spotlight. So for us, she’s going to get better and golf, and it’s our job to develop her as a player, but from the pressure, there’s nothing we can put in front of her that she hasn’t already seen."

Even though she started near the bottom of the leaderboard, Kai Trump can use the rest of the week to gain experience and learn from competing against top players.

How has Kai Trump played so far at the Annika?

Kai Trump at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican - Second Round - Source: Imagn

Kai Trump had a tough start at Pelican Golf Club on Thursday, carding an 83, 13-over par. She didn’t make any birdies and had nine bogeys and two double bogeys.

Trump's second round on Friday was better, as she shot 75, 5-over par, including four bogeys, a double bogey, a triple bogey, and four birdies.

Here is her hole-by-hole scorecard from Round 2:

• Hole 1 (Par 4) – 4 (Par)
• Hole 2 (Par 4) – 4 (Par)
• Hole 3 (Par 3) – 2 (Birdie)
• Hole 4 (Par 4) – 5 (Bogey)
• Hole 5 (Par 4) – 7 (Triple Bogey)
• Hole 6 (Par 4) – 4 (Par)
• Hole 7 (Par 5) – 4 (Birdie)
• Hole 8 (Par 4) – 5 (Bogey)
• Hole 9 (Par 3) – 3 (Par)

Out (Front 9 Total, Par 35) – 38

• Hole 10 (Par 4) – 5 (Bogey)
• Hole 11 (Par 4) – 3 (Birdie)
• Hole 12 (Par 3) – 2 (Birdie)
• Hole 13 (Par 4) – 4 (Par)
• Hole 14 (Par 5) – 5 (Par)
• Hole 15 (Par 3) – 5 (Double Bogey)
• Hole 16 (Par 4) – 4 (Par)
• Hole 17 (Par 4) – 5 (Bogey)
• Hole 18 (Par 4) – 4 (Par)

In (Back 9 Total, Par 35) – 37

Total (Par 70) – 75

Edited by Hitesh Nigam