Golf influencer Paige Spiranac has never shied away from sharing her journey. With millions of followers across Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, she has built a brand that blends the game of golf with her signature style. But her rise to fame wasn’t without struggles. In a recent podcast, Spiranac revisited a painful chapter in her career—one that nearly broke her spirit.
A Viral Sensation Turned Pro Overnight
Spiranac’s path to professional golf was anything but ordinary.
One moment, she was a college golfer with a modest following. The next, she was a viral sensation. She recalled the rapid shift: “I went from 500 followers to 100,000 followers.” That kind of overnight fame is rare, especially in the world of golf.
With her newfound attention came an invitation to play in a Ladies European Tour (LET) event in Dubai. It was an opportunity most young golfers only dream of. But what should have been a career-defining moment quickly turned into one of the most difficult experiences of her life.
A Hostile Welcome on the Course
Spiranac expected challenges in professional golf, but nothing could have prepared her for what she faced in Dubai.
From the moment she arrived, she found herself under intense scrutiny. Hours of press obligations drained her before she even set foot on the course. Then came the cold reception from fellow players.
“I would go on the range and girls would scatter,” she revealed. Worse, she overheard cruel remarks, including baseless accusations about how she earned her invitation. “There were constant comments like, ‘I did sexual favors to get this invite.’”
The hostility was undeniable, and it took a toll on her mental health. For a young athlete already navigating the pressures of turning pro, this experience was devastating.
The Unspoken Challenges of Sponsor Invites
In professional golf, sponsor invites are both a privilege and a point of contention.
- They offer a chance for up-and-coming players to compete on major stages.
- They are rare, particularly in women’s golf.
- They often go to players with marketability, not just rankings.
Spiranac understood why her presence stirred resentment. “You work your ass off, week in and week out… and here comes me, and I just walk on in.” Dressed in a new Callaway bag and Lululemon gear, she stood out—and not in the way she wanted.
A Moment That Defined Her Mental Health Struggles
The backlash in Dubai wasn’t just about that one event. It became a defining moment in Spiranac’s battle with mental health.
The pressure was suffocating. Media outlets around the world painted her as an embarrassment. “It was like the number one news story around the world, ‘Paige blows up, throws up all over herself,’” she recalled. The public ridicule stung, and the experience left lasting scars.
Over the years, she has spoken openly about the emotional toll that moment took. It was a turning point—one that ultimately led her to a different path in the sport.
From Golfer to Influencer: Spiranac’s Second Act
Spiranac didn’t let Dubai define her.
Rather than fade into the background, she carved out a unique space in the golf industry. With a mix of humor, insight, and unapologetic confidence, she transitioned into a role that better suited her strengths. Today, she is a leading influencer and commentator in the sport, using her platform to engage fans and challenge outdated norms in golf culture.
For all the criticism she once faced, Spiranac now holds the upper hand. She’s built a career that allows her to stay connected to golf—on her own terms. And, in the end, that’s a victory all its own.
