Kai Trump posts unfortunate update to begin 2026 golf season

Kai Trump has revealed she has undergone surgery to start thew new season. 

The rising 18-year-old golf star shared the unfortunate update with her Instagram followers, explaining that doctors were forced to intervene after discovering damage in her left wrist. 

The procedure addressed injuries to key stabilising tissue around her ECU tendon, as well as issues with her triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Posting after the operation, Kai confirmed the surgery was a success and was carried out at the Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute by Dr Thomas Graham, the Chief of Jefferson Orthopedics. 

She admitted the road back will involve months of rehabilitation but made it clear her sights are firmly set on returning stronger – and pain free – to the golf course.

Kai wrote on social media: 

"Today, I underwent left wrist surgery to address injuries to the stablizing tissues of my ECU tendon and damage to my triangular fibrocartilage complex. The surgery was successfully performed at the Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute by Dr. Thomas Graham, Chief of Jefferson Orthopedics. I look forward to my rehab ahead in the coming months. I am excited for the ability to play golf pain free!"

The timing of the setback is significant, coming just as Kai prepares for what is shaping up to be a defining year in her young career. 

The teenager is set to join the University of Miami’s golf programme as part of the 2026 signing class, having committed to the Hurricanes back in August.

Kai has already had a taste of life at the very top of the women’s game.

She made her LPGA debut at The Annika towards the end of the 2025 season, finishing last in the field but earning praise for a battling performance, particularly during an impressive second round.

Away from the ropes, Kai’s profile has continued to grow. 

Kai is the daughter of Vanessa Trump, who has been in a high-profile relationship with golf legend Tiger Woods for over a year. 

Vanessa is the former wife of Donald Trump Jr., making Kai the granddaughter of President Donald Trump.

Kai was seen standing alongside her grandfather on Friday afternoon at the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Woods himself remains sidelined as he recovers from yet another surgery-heavy period, having undergone the seventh back operation of his career in October after previously repairing a ruptured Achilles tendon. 

The 15-time major champion turned 50 in December, opening the door to PGA Tour Champions events in 2026, although no firm return date has been set.

Earlier this month, Kai sparked attention online after sharing footage of herself spending time on the driving range with Rory McIlroy. 

The teenager filmed as The Masters champion launched a drive before posing for a photo alongside one of only six players to complete golf’s Grand Slam.

Kai has also been making headlines off the course. 

She recently appeared on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, where she spoke candidly about politics, fame and the challenges of growing up under constant security.

Opening up about her personal life, Kai admitted that having protection around her at all times has made normal teenage experiences – including dating – far from straightforward. 

She described the awkward reality of going on dates while security teams sit close by, adding that it took time to adjust to always being watched.

During the wide-ranging interview, Kai also addressed politics, insisting she wants nothing to do with a future in that world. 

She described modern politics as “dangerous”, stressing that extreme views on both sides have been fuelled by social media, while making it clear there is no bad blood with her grandfather’s former rival, Kamala Harris.

Kai even touched on speculation surrounding Donald Trump’s future, shutting down talk of a third presidential run but leaving the door slightly ajar by admitting that “a lot could happen” between now and 2028.

For now, though, Kai’s focus is firmly on recovery. 

With surgery behind her and rehab ahead, the rising star will be hoping this latest hurdle is only a temporary detour on her path back to the fairways.