Kai Trump Returns to Golf Training After Wrist Surgery

Kai Trump is hitting the gym again after wrist surgery threatened to derail her college golf career before it even started.

The incoming University of Miami freshman posted a video of herself doing box squats this week with a simple caption: "We're so back." Just two months ago, the 18-year-old underwent surgery to repair damage to the stabilizing tissues around her ECU tendon and fibrocartilage complex in her left wrist.

The surgery came at a crucial time. Trump had just made her LPGA Tour debut at The Annika tournament in November, finishing in last place but showing real improvement between rounds. She cut eight strokes off her second-day score, a sign of resilience that hinted at her potential.

Dr. Thomas Graham performed the procedure at Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute in January. Trump shared the news on social media, expressing excitement about finally being able to play golf without pain. For weeks afterward, photos showed her wearing a bandaged cast as she worked through early recovery.

Now she's training with her coach, Alex Paup, preparing for her freshman season with the Hurricanes. Trump verbally committed to Miami in 2024, telling reporters the school offered the perfect environment to develop her skills. "The more golf I play, the better I'll do," she said in a July interview about her professional dreams.

Why This Inspires

At just 18, Trump is already showing what determination looks like. She competed at the professional level while nursing an injury, underwent major surgery, and got right back to work on her recovery. Her willingness to address the injury now rather than play through pain shows maturity beyond her years.

Young athletes watching her journey are learning an important lesson: taking care of your body isn't giving up. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is step back, heal properly, and come back stronger.

Trump has been open about her goal to turn pro after college. With the surgery behind her and training underway, she's one step closer to making that dream a reality.