The Genesis Invitational is all set to take place at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego on Thursday. The practice rounds happened on Wednesday. Moreover, a surprise guest at the South Course was teeing off alongside Rory McIlroy. It was the University of Miami-bound Kai Trump.

The granddaughter of the current President of the United States Donald Trump, Kai Trump, is considered a prodigy in the golfing world. The 17-year-old took to the course in mild rainy weather in a rain jacket and a white cap, taking a few practice shots alongside World No.3 Rory McIlroy, who wore a beanie to protect himself from the rain.

Kai Trump would cherish the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the world and impart the learnings to her game. In addition to celebrating, she promoted the Genesis Invitational, Tiger Woods’ charity event benefiting the TGR Foundation. The story had a note saying, “It was a blast getting to tee it up with @rorymcilroy today and play for a great cause.”

The young golfer also drew attention to the underlying cause at the Genesis Invitational, as the event hosted by Tiger Woods aims to benefit the TGR Foundation. Moreover, the Foundation is a charitable organization Woods and his dad Earl Woods founded together in 1996. The organization works toward relief measures for the people suffering from the California wildfires. The fires had forced the tournament, which was initially supposed to take place at the Rivera Course in Los Angeles, to shift to the Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego.

“Many people have suffered tremendously from the California wildfires recently. To help with California’s relief efforts, this week the Genesis and the tournament’s contributions are estimated to be more than $8 million #CaliforniaRises,” Kai Trump added.

This is not the first time in recent weeks that Kai Trump has vouched for Tiger Woods. The 82-time PGA Tour winner and his team remain embroiled in a legal battle with Puma over the similarity between their logo and Woods’s brand’s logo, ‘ Sun Day Red’. Kai Trump, who has a YouTube where she regularly posts vlogs, was seen sporting a Sun Day Red hoodie, from the brand’s female collection.

Kai Trump, incidentally, goes to the same school as Tiger Woods’s son Charlie Woods. This show of support from Kai Trump on both fronts would be of great relief for Tiger Woods, who has been having a difficult few days.

Tiger Woods absent at the Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods was initially slated to play at the Genesis Invitational. The event was the last non-major event Woods had featured in. But tragedy struck. Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods’s mother, passed away on 4 February, shocking the golfing world.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh.” shared Woods in a statement. Many famous personalities, including Kai’s grandfather, Donald Trump, paid his respects.

Despite the passing, Tiger Woods had initially confirmed his participation. But he later shared another statement saying that he could not participate considering the loss in his life. “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” explained Woods. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss. Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom’s passing.”

Jake Knapp replaces Tiger Woods at the Invitational. Fans will be eager to see Woods back in action and hope he can get through the tough times and return stronger than ever. Here is to you, Tiger Woods!