The educational and athletic journey of Kai Madison Trump, the granddaughter of former US President Donald Trump, has reached a significant milestone. The 18-year-old has officially signed her National Letter of Intent to join the prestigious University of Miami's women's golf programme, solidifying a plan she set in motion over a year ago.
The signing ceremony was held at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, located conveniently close to the Trump family's Mar-a-Lago estate. This move officially marks her commitment to become a student-athlete for the Miami Hurricanes, coinciding with a monumental moment in her young career: her debut on the prestigious Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
From New York to the Golf Course: The Making of a Prodigy
Born on 12 May 2007 in New York City, Kai Trump is the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Haydon. As the first grandchild of the former president, she has often been in the public eye, but it was on the golf course where she truly began to carve her own identity. Her early education took place at The Benjamin School, where her affinity for golf transformed from a casual interest into a serious pursuit of structure and precision.
Her talent quickly became evident on Florida's competitive junior golf circuit, where her performances for The Benjamin School's team drew significant attention. This early foundation set the stage for her subsequent national rise in the sport.
A Meteoric Rise in Competitive Golf
Kai Trump's dedication to golf has yielded impressive results. By 2022, she had won the Women's Club Championship at Trump International Palm Beach, a title she successfully defended in 2024 at the Ladies Club Championship. Her competitive handicap stands at an impressive +0.5, ranking her among the top talents in her age group.
In March 2025, she tested her skills at the elite Junior Invitational, one of the world's premier tournaments for young golfers. While she finished 24th, the experience was invaluable. Later in the year, she received a coveted invitation to make her professional tour debut at The Annika, an LPGA event hosted by golf legend Annika Sörenstam.
Charting a New Course with the Miami Hurricanes
The University of Miami represents the perfect next step for Kai, blending high-level academics with a strong athletic programme. She will join the Class of 2030 and contribute to a Hurricanes' women's golf team known for developing standout players.
Her decision was driven by a clear connection to the university. She recently stated that Miami's golf culture, academic environment, and location all "felt right" for her. Beyond her athletic potential, Kai arrives with a substantial personal brand; her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation is approximately $1.2 million, bolstered by partnerships with major brands like Callaway Golf and TaylorMade Golf.
While she stepped into the political spotlight with a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, her focus has firmly shifted towards education and sport. With her university plans sealed and an LPGA debut on the horizon, Kai Trump is poised to write her own legacy, one driven by her own ambition and skill on the green.
