Kai Trump has started 2026 in major style, spending time with Masters champion Rory McIlroy on the driving range.
The 18-year-old posted footage of McIlroy ripping a drive on the range before sharing a picture of herself alongside only the sixth man to compete golf’s Grand Slam.
‘Best way to start the year,’ Trump wrote alongside the picture.
McIlroy, of course, isn’t the only golfer whose expertise Trump is able to tap into. Her mother, Vanessa, is dating Tiger Woods – their relationship was exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail back in March.
Trump has a big 2026 ahead of her. She will be joining the University of Miami as a part of the 2026 signing class to play collegiate golf. She committed to the school back in August.
Donald Trump’s grandaughter, who has also built a following as an influencer, reflected on her whirlwind 2025 in a New Year’s Day post on X, writing: ‘2025 was such a big year. From my grandpa becoming president, to starting my senior year of high school, making my LPGA debut, and going all in on Youtube – it’s been a year I’ll always remember. So grateful for everyone who’s been part of the journey.’
Kai Trump hit the driving range with none other than Rory McIlroy on Friday morning
The President’s grandaughter shared video of McIlroy crushing a drive on the range
For McIlroy, meanwhile, 2025 will always be remembered as the year that he finally conquered Augusta and got his green jacket, beating Justin Rose in a playoff to win the one Major that had eluded him.
Speaking on the podcast ‘Stick to Football’ on Friday, McIlroy opened up on his emotions after defeating a close friend to win the one title he really wanted.
‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d be in a playoff with Justin Rose. Right? You know, Rosie played great that day. I thought it was really just going to be between me and Bryson (DeChambeau),’ McIlroy said.
‘It obviously didn’t pan out that way. But I thought that Bryson was going to be my biggest obstacle to doing it.
‘It felt like it was then or never. And it probably wasn’t, even if I didn’t go on to win, but it would have been one more bad memory and more scar tissue building up there for me.’
McIlroy’s 2026 season begins on Friday night in TGL Golf, when his Boston team take on Justin Rose’s LA group.
His first tournament will begin on January 15, when he competes in the Dubai Invitational and the Masters defense falls from April 9-12.
