Kai Trump education journey: US president’s granddaughter committed to UMiami and now set for her LPGA debut
Kai Madison Trump knew early what she wanted, a future that combined education, sport and legacy. More than a year ago, the granddaughter of United States president Donald Trump made her decision to attend the University of Miami and play golf for the Hurricanes.This week, that plan became official. The University of Miami announced Kai Trump as part of its women’s golf signing class on the opening day of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I signing window. The announcement follows a firm commitment from the 18-year-old, who signed her letter of intent in a ceremony at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, not far from her grandfather’s Mar-a-Lago estate.The signing is a significant moment in the young golfer’s education journey, and coincides with her debut on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour at The Annika at Pelican Golf Club.
Where is began: Kai’s early life and education
Born on 12 May 2007 in New York City, Kai Trump is the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Haydon, and the first grandchild of the president. Named after her great-grandfather, Danish jazz musician Kai Ewans, she grew up as the oldest of five siblings and has often been seen accompanying her family at public events.Her early education began at The Benjamin School, a private preparatory institution in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It is here that Kai’s affinity for golf took shape. While many of her peers view golf as a pastime, for Kai it became a pursuit of structure and precision. Her performance for The Benjamin School’s golf team quickly drew attention on Florida’s competitive junior circuit.
A rising golfer
Kai’s commitment to the sport deepened as she began competing at a national level. By 2022, she had already claimed the Women’s Club Championship title at Trump International Palm Beach, and repeated the feat in 2024 at the Ladies Club Championship. Her competitive handicap of +0.5 positioned her among the most promising young golfers in her age group.In March 2025, she competed in the prestigious Junior Invitational, one of the world’s top tournaments for young golfers, and although she finished 24th, the experience proved formative. Later that year, she received an invitation to make her LPGA Tour debut at The Annika, an event hosted by Swedish legend Annika Sörenstam.
University of Miami: A new chapter
The University of Miami, where she will join the Class of 2030, offers her both academic and athletic opportunities. The Hurricanes’ women’s golf programme has developed several standout players, and Kai’s arrival adds both name recognition and potential.Her connection to Miami was, by her own account, never in doubt. Speaking recently at The Annika, she said the university’s golf culture, academic environment and location all “felt right”.As of early 2025, Kai’s name, image and likeness (NIL) valuation stood at around $1.2 million, supported by partnerships with Callaway Golf Company and TaylorMade Golf.
Education, legacy and the next step
Kai Trump’s public profile first rose in 2024 when she delivered a short speech at the Republican National Convention, supporting her grandfather’s presidential campaign. Yet since then, her attention appears to have shifted towards education and sport rather than politics. Her decision to commit early to the University of Miami, and to stay the course, reflects that clarity. For now, her focus is simple: Finishing school, preparing for Miami, and stepping onto the LPGA course for the first time. The granddaughter of the president may carry a familiar name, but her next chapter, as a student-athlete charting her own course, is entirely her own.
