A Rainy Day Round at Torrey Pines
On Wednesday, Torrey Pines set the stage for a memorable practice round of golf, bringing together a rising star and a golf legend.
Kai Trump, just 17 years old, was out on the course with four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, preparing for the Genesis Invitational.
The weather may have been rainy, but it didn’t dampen the excitement of the day.
Kai, who’s soon heading off to college, is making a name for herself in the golf world, and there’s no one better to learn from than McIlroy, the former world No. 1.
As they got ready for the tournament, the pair spent some quality time on the course together.
Genesis Invitational Moves to La Jolla
The Genesis Invitational, traditionally held at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in LA, was relocated this year due to the California wildfires.
The event now takes place at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, providing a fresh setting for both the players and fans.
This change, made at the last minute, certainly made for an interesting twist ahead of the tournament’s start.
In photos from their practice round, McIlroy and Kai were seen enjoying each other’s company despite the rain, with McIlroy sporting a white Nike beanie to shield himself from the wet weather.
Kai, on the other hand, wore her own cap and a black rain jacket.
The two even shared a warm hug on the ninth green, adding a personal touch to the day.
A Family Affair in Golf
Kai’s golf journey isn’t the only Trump family connection to the game this week.
Her father, Donald Trump, was seen spending time with golfing royalty as well.
On Sunday, Donald played a round with Tiger Woods and his son Charlie in Florida.
Afterward, he flew out to New Orleans to catch the Super Bowl.
It’s clear that golf runs deep in the Trump family, and the next generation is already making waves.
Kai’s Bright Future in Golf
Kai Trump is set to continue her golf career at the University of Miami, one of the top golf programs in the U.S. With her commitment already announced, she’s on track to be one of the school’s rising stars.
She’s already earning impressive attention, including a reported $1.2 million NIL valuation, even before her college career begins.
Currently a senior at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Florida, Kai made her verbal commitment to the University of Miami last year.
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Miami,” she said in August.
“I would like to thank my mom, Vanessa, and my dad, Don, for always supporting me through my journey.”
Rory McIlroy’s Strong Start
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, enters the tournament on a high note after winning $3.6 million at Pebble Beach just two weeks ago.
Though he skipped out on the Waste Management event, he’s back in action for Genesis, where he’ll compete alongside top golfers like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Viktor Hovland, and Max Homa.
Even though the event is hosted by Tiger Woods, he won’t be playing this year.
After the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Kultida Woods, Tiger withdrew from the tournament.
He expressed his desire to attend the event but is still processing the loss.
It’s uncertain if he’ll make the trip from his Florida home to La Jolla this weekend.
The golf world will undoubtedly feel the absence of Woods, but the Genesis Invitational remains a major event on the schedule with plenty of action to look forward to.
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