Husband of LPGA legend defends Kai Trump decision: "I think it's crazy"

Annika Sorenstam's husband Mike has defended the decision to offer Donald Trump's granddaughter a sponsor exemption into an LPGA Tour event. 

Last week Kai, 18, announced she will be making her LPGA debut at The Annika later this month.

The $3.25m (£2.45m) tournament is hosted annually by 10-time major champion Sorenstam and will be played over 13-16 November. 

Kai, who has committed to the University of Miami in 2026, said it was her "dream to compete with the best players on the LPGA Tour". 

She will play in the same field as England's Charley Hull, former World No.1 Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson and Lilia Vu. 

Kai's inclusion in the event has drawn some criticism, with some believing that it is simply a publicity stunt and that the place should be offered to someone more deserving. 

She is currently 461st in the American Junior Golf Association ranking. 

Sorenstam's husband Mike McGee doesn't understand the backlash and explained his point of view on SiriusXM PGA Tour radio. 

"For anybody that says [she] doesn't deserve to be there, I think it's crazy," he said. 

"The idea is to highlight women's golf, and she's going to do it to a diverse crowd of millions more people that would tune in [who] otherwise wouldn't tune in."

He also stressed that the decision was not made by his wife. That decision is down to the tournament sponsor. 

The LPGA Tour have also backed the decision.

Rick Lasky, the LPGA's chief tour business and operations officer, also told the station: "Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments and the LPGA.

"Kai's broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans."

Kai is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr. 

She currently has more than six million followers across her social media platforms. 

Last week she uploaded a behind-the-scenes vlog showing her trip to the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. 

Her mother, Vanessa Trump, is currently dating 15-time major champion Tiger Woods. 

Woods and Vanessa went public with their relationship in March.