Paige Spiranac shuts down rumors regarding ‘favors' early in her career
Golfer and social media personality Paige Spiranac recently spoke out against long-standing rumors that she performed "sexual favors" to secure her invitation to the 2015 Dubai Ladies Masters tournament.
Speaking on the Quiet Please! podcast with hosts Mel Rid and Kira Dixon, Spiranac, 32, recalled the harsh criticism she faced at the time. 'There were constant comments, like, 'I did sexual favors to get this invite,'' she said. 'And they would say [it] within earshot of me. It was tough.'
At the time, Spiranac was a rising social media influencer known for her golf content and bold fashion choices. She received a sponsor's invite to the Ladies European Tour (LET) event, which some critics argued was undeserved. Reflecting on the experience, she acknowledged that her appearance may have 'ruffled feathers' in the golf community.
Spiranac admitted she was unprepared for the intense media attention surrounding her tournament debut. 'I went from having 500 followers to 100,000, and I didn't know how to handle it,' she explained. Despite being told the event would be low-profile, she found herself overwhelmed with press obligations.
She also described feeling ostracized by fellow players, recalling how many distanced themselves from her on the practice range. She ultimately shot 77 and 79, missing the cut, but said the emotional toll was far more damaging.
Spiranac revealed the experience led to depression, calling it 'the worst moment of my life.' In a 2018 Sports Illustrated interview, she shared that the bullying she endured left her feeling 'helpless' and struggling with mental health challenges.
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