Kai Trump to bring Gen-Z firepower to new Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler event

Kai Trump has been confirmed as a guest commentator for the inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games, adding major star appeal to a primetime event already featuring Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

The broadcast airs live on Wednesday 17 December, and Kai's inclusion is expected to be one of its biggest talking points.

Kai, 18, is one of golf’s most influential young figures, boasting more than 6m social followers across TikTok and Instagram.

By bringing her into the booth, Golf Channel is making a clear play to pull in younger audiences and boost visibility for its newest made-for-TV showdown.

Kai will join regulars Steve Sands, Smylie Kaufman, Brad Faxon, Johnson Wagner, and PGA Tour pro Keith Mitchell, dropping in for guest analysis during the competition.

News of Kai being handed a guest commentary role at the Optum Golf Channel Games was confirmed by Josh Carpenter of Sports Business Journal.

Trump’s profile has climbed sharply in the past year.

She made her LPGA debut at The Annika last month, recovering from an opening 83 to shoot a much-improved 75 in round two — matching two-time major champion Lilia Vu.

A scratch-handicap junior committed to the University of Miami, she’s already secured NIL partnerships with TaylorMade and Callaway.

Kai is ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) rankings. 

Her social media presence — part lifestyle, part golf, part behind-the-scenes access — has positioned her as a rare crossover figure who speaks directly to Gen Z.

Kai is the daughter of Vanessa Trump, the girlfriend of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods. 

Former World No.1 Woods was on hand to give Kai some helpful advice ahead of The Annika. 

The inaugural Golf Channel Games takes place at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, a venue Kai knows well from training and competition.

That local knowledge should give her commentary added context and credibility.

The Optum Golf Channel Games is shaping up to be one of the more lively silly-season offerings, with two heavyweight captains leading world-class line-ups. Scroll down to check out the teams... 

Team Rory

• Rory McIlroy
• Shane Lowry
• Haotong Li
• Luke Donald

Team Scottie

• Scottie Scheffler
• Sam Burns
• Luke Clanton
• Keegan Bradley

The contest offers a shot at redemption for Bradley, who goes up against Donald again just like at the 2025 Ryder Cup. 

Only this time as players. 

The Optum Golf Channel Games will feature four rapid challenges designed for quick-fire entertainment:

• Timed Drive, Chip & Putt – Accumulate distance, proximity and putting feet
• 14-Club Challenge – Closest-to-the-pin, no club repeated
• Timed Shootout – Three-hole alternate-shot sprint
• Captains’ Challenge – McIlroy vs Scheffler in a wedge-and-putting showdown

Early marketing for the event drew criticism after an advert used AI-generated faces of McIlroy and Scheffler — producing a bizarre Scheffler likeness that immediately went viral, as you can see below. 

Will you be watching the Optum Golf Channel Games on 17 December?

Are you happy to see Kai on comms? 

Share your thoughts in the comments below, or join the debate on GolfMagic Facebook.