Kai Trump knows what her family name and massive social media following come with! The 18-year-old has become a key factor in bringing more exposure to the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, hence the invite. But at the same time, she also faces high public scrutiny, with people questioning, ‘Why her?’ However, standing toe-to-toe against the media, Annika Sorenstam, the event’s host, has jumped to her defense.

“I’m sure we can all relate to what it’s like to get criticism here and there, but she gets it a thousand times. So that’s why I just want to give her a break to come out here and have fun. 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,” Sorenstam told Golfweek.

Kai Trump received one of the three sponsor exemptions and has been constantly receiving backlash over it. Reason? Many believe that the exemption is unearned and undeserved, snubbing actual amateurs who qualified through their talent. At 461st rank on the AJGA and only three events throughout the year, her merits don’t make it better. Her finishes have been modest, with her best result being a 24th place at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley. Her last name brings in criticism, too.

Being the granddaughter of President Donald Trump, people are raising concerns about the influence of politics in sports and privilege. Sport’s fairness is also questioned, calling it out as a bad PR stunt. An article from GolfMonthly ruled the exemption out as “good business but bad optics.” However, Sorenstam views the matter differently.

She handed out the invitation to Kai Trump and stands firmly with that decision. This might help increase exposure to women’s golf and inspire young girls to leap into the athletic world. Sorenstam also recognizes Kai as an emerging talent, remarking on her “bright future” ahead.

“I actually do think she can be really good; I’m not just saying that,” said Sheehan. “Very impressed with the way she drives it. Yesterday, on the 15th, she hit an awesome hybrid. Wind is 30 mph left to right—hits a hybrid to 10 feet.” Sorenstam praised the 18-year-old Miami University commit.

The veteran also mocked the sheer amount of attention this simple move garnered, when women’s golf has otherwise remained obscure and well out of the public eye: “All of a sudden, it felt like the whole world had an opinion about my game and why a woman should play in a PGA event. There were a lot of thoughts out there and comments out there. I think what was most interesting is people who never really covered golf, especially women’s golf, all of a sudden they were experts in my game.”

“The idea of the exemption, when you go into the history of exemptions, is to bring attention to an event,” Pelican Golf Club part-owner Dan Doyle Jr. explained. And Kai’s inclusion is doing just what it’s supposed to do. In fact, a look at the history of sponsor exemptions suggests the undeniable impact these can have on growing the sport.

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Women’s golf and sponsor exemptions

Michelle Wie West is a prime example of that, being one of the most popular female golfers of her time. Even as a young teenager, West created a reputation for her tall, athletic stature and her ability to compete against men. At just 14, she received a sponsor invite to the U.S. Women’s Open, showing the value she brought to golf even then.

That didn’t stop her from public pressure and sometimes offensive remarks, however, reflecting the fragile atmosphere within women’s golf. Constantly compared with Tiger Woods, nicknames like ‘The Big Weasy’ added tension to her competitive scene. Turns out, Kai is not the only one to receive scrutiny for being famous.

Lexi Thompson is another example of how the circuit leverages fame to grow the LPGA circuit. Thompson turned professional at age 15 and relied heavily on sponsor exemptions to enter LPGA Tour events because she was too young for full membership. Bringing the popularity she commanded, she helped grow the sport for women from her teenage years.

Kai Trump is just another example of where golf meets fame. It doesn’t always have to be wrong, though, with her promising golf career ahead, starting at Miami University in 2026.