The Trump name has long echoed through politics and real estate, but now, it’s making waves on the fairways. At just 18, Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of President Donald J. Trump, is carving her own path in golf.
She recently finished 19th for the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship in South Florida, shooting a 3-over 74 in the final round at Tequesta Country Club. Her performance came alongside Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, who finished 6th.
The two rising stars, connected not just by golf but by family ties, shared the course as their parents, Tiger and Vanessa Trump, continue to make headlines with their growing relationship.
But amid the buzz around Kai’s swing, the internet recently got curious about her name, asking: How did she get such a unique name?
The answer came in a recent YouTube vlog ‘My mom reveals answers to YOUR most asked questions’ posted on Kai’s channel, where she and her mother, Vanessa Trump, were seen cooking together in their Jupiter, Florida kitchen.
The video, later teased on Kai’s Instagram with the caption, “Why my mom chose to name me Kai🥹”, offered a rare, intimate glimpse into the story behind the name.
“Why did you choose the name Kai?” a voice behind the camera asked as Vanessa washed her hands after seasoning the beef. Kai, meanwhile, was chopping onions beside her for their maple onion cheeseburger.
Vanessa smiled and replied, “My grandfather’s name was Kai, and I always loved the name. I was very close to him—he was like a father to me.”
She paused, then added, “Kai means ocean, and that’s one of my favorite places to go—the ocean.””
She went on to explain that the name was chosen before they even knew the baby’s gender. “We didn’t know if it was a girl or boy.”
“But I said either way it could go, ’cause my grandfather was a guy, obviously. And he was named Kai. And if it was a girl—I’ve named Kai,” she said, gesturing toward her daughter.
Vanessa’s grandfather, Kai Ewans, was a Danish jazz musician and bandleader who played a pivotal role in her early life. Though she’s rarely spoken about him publicly, the way she adored him during the vlog said it all!
As Kai’s golf career gains momentum, she’s committed to the University of Miami for the 2026 NCAA season—so too does the relationship between her mother and Tiger Woods.
The couple went public in March 2025, sharing photos on Instagram with the caption, “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side.”
Since then, they’ve been spotted at multiple junior tournaments, including the Genesis Invitational and TGL events.
