Tiger Woods' advice to Kai Trump ahead of her LPGA Tour debut

Kai Trump has revealed the advice Tiger Woods gave her ahead of her LPGA Tour debut. 

The US president's eldest granddaughter has a received a sponsor's exemption to play The Annika at Pelican Golf Club in Florida. 

This week's $3.25m (£2.45m) tournament is hosted annually by Swedish golf legend and 10-time major winner Annika Sorenstam. 

Trump, 18, told reporters in a news conference on Wednesday that she asked for advice from 15-time major winner Woods. 

Woods, 49, is currently dating her mother Vanessa. 

"He is the best golfer in the entire world," she said. "I would say that. And even better person. He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens."

The 18-year-old has committed to the University of Miami in 2026. After her collegiate career, she wants to turn professional. 

"Give her a chance"

Kai Trump's invitation to play in the LPGA Tour event has come under scrutiny. 

She is still an amateur and is ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association rankings. 

The Annika has one of the stronger fields and for many players this week there are significant implications such as end-of-season standings. 

Some critics have suggested the spot should have gone to a more "deserving" player. 

Tournament host Sorenstam defended the decision. 

"I don't think anybody here is thinking that she will be the one holding the trophy on Sunday," she said. "It's about opportunities and memories and lessons learned.

"I spoke to her a little bit yesterday. You know, just make the most out of this week. There will be lessons learned. Take them to the future and learn."

Sorenstam called for the golf world to give her a chance. 

"To be 18 years old and hear all the comments, she must be super tough on the inside," she said. 

"I'm sure we can all relate 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, 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 knows what it's like to face scrutiny. 

In 2003, accepted an invite to play on the PGA Tour at the Bank of America Colonial. 

She said: "All of a sudden, it felt like the whole world had an opinion about my game, and [were asking], why should a woman 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 that never really covered golf, especially women’s golf, all of a sudden, they were experts in my game."