Paige Spiranac, one of golf’s most recognizable faces, is opening up about the ugly rumors, isolation, and sexism she endured as a young pro—including vile accusations that she traded “sexual favors” for career opportunities.
In a raw and revealing interview on the “Quiet Please!” podcast (March 19), the 32-year-old influencer and former pro golfer reflected on the toxic whispers that nearly derailed her career before it even began.
“I Played Horrendously—I Just Wanted to Be Liked”
Spiranac’s 2015 professional debut should have been a dream. Instead, it became a nightmare.
“People would say it within earshot—that I’d slept my way into invites,” she shared. “It was brutal.” The cruel rumors, combined with the pressure of her first tournament, crushed her confidence. “I played horrendously. I just wanted to be liked.”
The backlash wasn’t just from fans—fellow players shunned her, refusing to practice near her on the range. “Girls scattered. The majority were cold—I get it. They’d worked for years, and I walked in with brand deals.”
Overnight Fame—And the Backlash That Followed
Spiranac’s rapid rise to fame was unprecedented. After a viral video catapulted her from 500 to 100,000 followers overnight, the golf world didn’t know how to react—and neither did she.
“No one knew how to handle virality back then, least of all me,” she admitted. The scrutiny was relentless, with critics dismissing her as a “social media golfer” rather than a serious athlete.
The emotional toll was overwhelming. In 2018, she told Sports Illustrated how she broke down in a bathroom before that 2015 tournament, drowning in loneliness and the cruelty of the industry.
Turning Pain Into Power
Now, Spiranac is using her platform to call out the double standards women in sports face—particularly those who don’t fit the traditional mold.
“I was told I didn’t belong, that I was a distraction,” she said. “But I’ve learned that confidence is the best comeback.”
From enduring vicious rumors to becoming one of golf’s most influential voices, Spiranac’s journey is a testament to resilience—and a stark reminder of how far sports still have to go.
Do you think the golf world has changed since Paige’s early struggles? Share your thoughts below.
