LOS ANGELES, CA — Golf influencer and former professional player Paige Spiranac has never shied away from controversy, but her latest comments are sending shockwaves through the sport. In a candid new interview, Spiranac declared, “I wear what I want—and here’s why it terrifies the PGA.”
The 31-year-old social media sensation, known for her bold fashion choices and advocacy for modernizing golf’s conservative culture, doubled down on her stance that the sport’s traditionalist gatekeepers are threatened by her unapologetic approach.
“They’re Scared of Change”
Spiranac, who boasts millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, has long been a polarizing figure in golf. While fans praise her for bringing a fresh, inclusive energy to the game, critics—often from the sport’s old guard—have accused her of “distracting from the game” with her form-fitting outfits.
But in her latest remarks, Spiranac fired back. “The PGA and a lot of golf’s traditionalists are scared of change,” she said. “They want golf to stay in this pristine, exclusive bubble where only a certain type of person feels welcome. But the truth is, the game needs to evolve if it wants to survive.”
She pointed to declining viewership and participation among younger demographics as proof that golf’s stuffy reputation is hurting its future. “If you want to grow the game, you have to make it fun, relatable, and accessible,” she argued. “That means letting people express themselves—whether that’s through their clothes, their personality, or their social media presence.”
The Double Standard
Spiranac also called out what she sees as a glaring double standard in how male and female athletes are treated. “Male golfers can wear whatever they want, act however they want, and no one bats an eye,” she said. “But when a woman does it, suddenly it’s ‘unprofessional’ or ‘too much.’ It’s exhausting.”
Her comments come amid ongoing debates about dress codes in golf, with some country clubs still enforcing strict rules on collared shirts and knee-length skirts. Spiranac, however, has built her brand by defying those norms—often sporting stylish athleisure and body-hugging designs on and off the course.
Why the PGA Should Be Nervous
According to Spiranac, her influence is exactly what scares the establishment. “They see someone like me—someone who didn’t come from country club money, who didn’t fit the mold—gaining this kind of platform, and it shakes them,” she said. “Because it means the future of golf isn’t in their hands anymore. It’s in the hands of the fans, the next generation, the people who actually want the sport to be exciting.”
Her message seems to be resonating. Spiranac’s podcast, “Playing A Round with Paige,” has become a hit, and her social media following dwarfs that of many top PGA Tour pros. Meanwhile, organizations like the PGA have slowly begun embracing influencers and relaxed dress codes in some events—a shift Spiranac sees as a direct result of pressure from players like her.
What’s Next?
While Spiranac hasn’t ruled out a return to competitive golf, her focus remains on changing the sport from the outside. “I don’t need their validation,” she said of the PGA. “But if they want to stay relevant, they’ll have to adapt. And whether they like it or not, people like me are leading the way.”
One thing’s for sure: Paige Spiranac isn’t backing down—and the golf world may never be the same because of it.
What do you think about Spiranac’s take? Sound off in the comments below.
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