Kai Trump, 17, Becomes Golf’s Rising Star with $1.2M NIL Fortune and Viral Fame

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Alex Bollinger
February 14, 2025
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9 minutes read

Kai Trump attends the Republican National Convention last month. (Photo: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Kai Trump, the 17-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, is already making waves in the sports world, carving out a lucrative career before even stepping onto a college campus. The young golf prodigy, daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump, has amassed a jaw-dropping $1.2 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, according to On3’s estimations.

Although Kai hasn’t yet played in collegiate golf competitions, she’s already ranked No. 1 in women’s high school golf. Her marketability is exceptional, thanks to her performance on the course, her massive social media following, and her exposure in the public eye.

Kai’s rise to prominence places her in the top 100 overall in On3’s NIL rankings, sitting at No. 81—alongside college sports icons like UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers, LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson, and gymnast/social media mogul Olivia Dunne. Her NIL value skyrocketed in January when she signed a deal with Leaf Trading Cards.

Special-edition packs featuring her autographed cards, priced at $199.99, are expected to sell out quickly, fueled by her growing fanbase. In addition to her golf accomplishments, Kai is a social media sensation with over five million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and X. She also launched a YouTube channel last fall, which has already gained nearly a million subscribers, with most content focusing on golf, the Daily Mail noted.

Golf runs deep in the Trump family, and Kai is on track to become the dynasty’s most accomplished golfer yet. She’s already claimed the ladies’ club championship at her grandfather’s Palm Beach course and has had the opportunity to play alongside some of golf’s biggest stars. When it came time to announce her commitment to the University of Miami, Kai took a moment to express gratitude to her famous grandfather.

“I would like to thank my Grandpa for giving me access to great courses and tremendous support,” she said. “I would also like to thank my entire family for always encouraging and pushing me to be the best person I can possibly be.” Kai’s connection to golf runs through Trump’s Doral course, where she and her grandfather played together in a Pro-Am event ahead of the LIV Golf tournament.

The University of Miami’s golf team, where she will continue her career, plays at The Biltmore, just nine miles away from Trump’s Doral course. In addition to her athletic career, Kai gained public attention when she delivered an emotional speech at the Republican National Convention last year, speaking fondly of her grandfather and his resilience amid his legal challenges.

She also attended his inauguration ball, stunning in a silver dress. With her impressive NIL earnings, rising golf career, and growing influence, Kai Trump is well on her way to becoming a major figure in both sports and public life.