Paige Spiranac is no stranger to criticism over her golf outfits, and this weekend was no exception. The golf influencer, who boasts over four million social media followers, faced fresh backlash after appearing in a two-on-two match with fellow content creators Big John Golfs, J.R. Smith, and Claire Hogle.
Spiranac, a former gymnast who transitioned to golf, has always been open about why she dresses the way she does on the course. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, she explained that her style stems from her athletic background and financial constraints early in her golf career.
"I was a gymnast before I switched into golf," Spiranac said. "I was so comfortable wearing spandex and very little of it because that’s just what you wear when you’re wearing a leotard and you’re competing. When I switched into golf, we were struggling a little bit financially and so I didn’t have the luxury to go out and buy a whole new golf-appropriate wardrobe. So, I wore what was in my closet, which was workout clothes. That’s just how I learned to play the game."
She added, "That was always my mindset when I got into golf, and it really rubs people the wrong way which is shocking. They’ll have really intense discussions over if they should wear shorts or pants or a blade collar or a real collar and I’m just out here just in tank tops or spandex and people are like ‘What are you doing?’ But I love it."
This weekend, Spiranac sported a red golf dress and a bucket hat, a look that drew both praise and criticism. But she’s used to the chatter. What frustrates her more is that fans who accuse her of only showing off her body often ignore her other content.
"I love when people say all I do is show off my body and nothing else. Yet I’ll post YouTube videos showing a different side to me but then THEY WONT WATCH lol," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Spiranac’s frustration echoes a common theme among athletes and influencers who face scrutiny for their appearance. She’s not the first to hit back at critics—recently, Torrie Wilson fired back at critics over a bold swimsuit snap, and Sophie Cunningham did the same with a daring white swimsuit photo.
Despite the ongoing debate, Spiranac remains unapologetic about her choices. She’s carved out a niche in the golf world, blending her athleticism with a bold personal style. Whether she’s making impressive shots on the course or engaging with fans online, she’s always in the spotlight—and she’s learned to embrace it.
At the end of the day, Spiranac acknowledges that her fashion choices are part of her brand, and she’s okay with that. "That’s the bed she has made," she admits, "and she’s the one who has to lay in it." But that doesn’t mean she’ll stop speaking her mind when critics come for her.
For now, Spiranac continues to do what she loves, both on and off the course, and she’s not letting the haters dictate her game.
