Kai Trump has been building momentum through an intense year of competitive golf.

At the 2025 ANNIKA, she tested herself against the elites. However, her growth spurt has just witnessed a setback. 

Taking to Instagram, Trump recently shared a statement, revealing that she underwent left wrist surgery to repair damage to the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).

With Dr. Thomas Graham, Chief of Jefferson Orthopedics at the Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute, operating the blade, the procedure was certainly a success. 

“I look forward to my rehab ahead in the coming months,” Kai Trump wrote. “I am excited for the ability to play golf pain free!” 

But how does such an injury affect a golfer? The ECU tendon stabilizes the wrist during impact and follow-through. The TFCC supports rotation and load transfer. Damage can affect grip strength, wrist rotation, shot control, and consistency, especially during full swings, bunker shots, and high-speed iron play.

And the post-surgical rehabilitation for ECU and TFCC injuries typically lasts around three to six months. During this period, Trump would have to work on her mobility, rebuild strength, and introduce her swinging gradually. We can expect a return to the golf course once her motion remains pain-free and stability is restored. 

As one of the youngest professional golfers on the LPGA Tour, Trump opened up her career through the ANNIKA. And that was an experience she cherished. 

Kai Trump Shares Her Thoughts on Her Stance at ANNIKA

Despite being invested in the LPGA Tour, the 18-year-old golfer and podcaster missed the cut in her first-ever event as a professional. But instead of sulking, she showed signs of growth.

Following the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, she admitted that she didn’t play the way she wanted. However, Trump “learned a lot and had a great time out there.”

Nervous about her first event, Kai Trump opened with a 13-over 83. In the second round, she managed 5-over 75, including four birdies and an eight-stroke improvement compared to the previous round. This extracted subtle praise from Annika Sörenstam herself. 

Sörenstam said, “She recovered really well. She said she wasn’t nervous by the time round two rolled around, and that is what it takes. It takes getting experience. With anything you do in life, the first time might not be the best, so I’m super proud of her.”

With full rehabilitation and lessons learned from her LPGA debut, Trump positions herself for a stronger, more composed 2026 season.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu