Paige Spiranac Reveals Difficulties In Her Stormy Relationship With The Sport That Left Her Saying: ‘I Hate Golf’
Paige Spiranac, a former professional golfer turned social media influencer, has long been a polarizing figure in the golf world. With over 4 million Instagram followers, she has redefined what it means to be a golf personality, blending athleticism, style, and candid commentary. However, her relationship with the sport that brought her fame has been anything but smooth. In a recent post on X, Spiranac laid bare her frustrations, stating, “I hate golf lol I went 8 over through 3 holes. Hit an impressive 5 shanks. Then proceeded to shoot 2 under for the next 15 holes.” This candid admission, laced with humor, underscores the emotional rollercoaster that defines her complex bond with golf, a sport she both loves and loathes.
Spiranac’s journey with golf began with promise. A standout junior player, she won five tournaments on Colorado’s junior circuit and later excelled at San Diego State University, leading her team to a Mountain West Conference Championship in 2015. Her powerful swing and competitive spirit earned her a spot on the professional Cactus Tour, where she secured a victory against top-ranked amateur Hannah O’Sullivan in 2016. Yet, despite these achievements, the mental toll of competitive golf proved overwhelming. Spiranac has openly discussed how the sport tied her self-worth to her scores, leading to emotional exhaustion. “Competitive golf really beat me up emotionally,” she revealed in a 2024 interview, reflecting on why she stepped away from professional play.
The pressures of golf were not solely tied to performance. Spiranac faced intense scrutiny for her appearance and bold fashion choices, which sparked controversy in the traditionally conservative golf community. In 2017, the LPGA introduced a stricter dress code, widely criticized as targeting Spiranac’s style, which included form-fitting outfits. She responded in a Fortune op-ed, defending her right to express herself through fashion while highlighting the sport’s judgmental culture. “I hate how stuffy golf can be. How judgmental and closed-minded some people are in the game,” she said during a 2023 Instagram Q&A. These experiences fueled her love-hate dynamic with golf, as she felt both embraced and alienated by the sport.
Despite stepping away from competitive golf, Spiranac has remained deeply connected to the game through her media career. Her instructional videos, podcast “Playing A Round with Paige Renee,” and YouTube channel have made her a leading voice for golf beginners and enthusiasts. In 2024, she participated in the PGA Tour’s Creator Classic, finishing ninth among 15 influencers, and joined the PGA Tour’s Creator Council, signaling her renewed passion. “I’ve been playing the best golf of my life,” she shared on Instagram in November 2024, noting her +4 handicap and excitement for the game after practicing more than ever. Yet, this resurgence has not shielded her from golf’s frustrations.
Spiranac’s recent struggles, like hitting shanks and hooks, highlight the sport’s unforgiving nature. “Nothing makes me want to quit more than when I keep hitting hooks off the tee,” she posted on X in 2021, a sentiment echoed in her 2025 outburst. These moments of exasperation are relatable to golfers at all levels, as the game’s highs and lows can feel like a “toxic relationship,” as she described on her podcast in 2022. Despite her setbacks, Spiranac’s ability to recover—shooting 2 under after a disastrous start—demonstrates her resilience and skill, even if the sport tests her patience.
Beyond the course, Spiranac has faced personal challenges that intersect with her golf journey. Cyberbullying and rumors about her personal life have been persistent, with Spiranac addressing “disgusting sexual rumors” in 2023 that emerged whenever she was pictured with male athletes. These experiences, coupled with the mental strain of golf, have led her to seek therapy, a process she humorously referenced in 2024: “Golf is my therapy, but also the reason I need therapy.” Her openness about these struggles has endeared her to fans, who appreciate her honesty and vulnerability.
Spiranac’s story is one of reinvention. While she may no longer chase a professional golf career, her influence continues to grow. Collaborations with figures like Bryson DeChambeau and brands like PointsBet showcase her ability to bridge golf and mainstream media. Her 2025 calendar and Halloween photo sets further cement her brand, blending golf with her distinctive flair. Despite moments of frustration, Spiranac remains committed to sharing her love for the game, promising more golf content in 2025. Her journey reflects the universal struggle of golfers—caught between the sport’s highs and lows, yet unable to walk away.