Paige Spiranac is getting a head start on Halloween, and the internet can't get enough. The golf influencer, known for her massive social media following, posted a photo of herself in a Willy Wonka-inspired costume alongside her frequent golf partner, Bob Does Sports. The image, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening, has already blown past 1.6 million views in less than 24 hours.
Spiranac, who played college golf at the University of Arizona and San Diego State, captioned the post with a simple "We're so back" — a nod to her recent return to the spotlight after a period of relative quiet. The costume, which features a colorful and playful take on the classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme, is turning heads both on and off the course.
The timing is no accident. Spiranac is gearing up for the Internet Invitational, a popular event hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports. Last year, her team fell short in the final, missing out on a $1 million prize. That loss sparked controversy, with some fans accusing her of cheating, which led to a wave of online backlash.
In the aftermath, Spiranac took a step back from social media, later explaining her absence in a candid post. "I am in a bit of a funk, a rut if you will, and it's not like a one or two day thing," she shared. "This has been going on for a little bit. I feel like I've just been so in my head about everything and I'm just trying to work through it. I think that's why I haven't been posting as much because I am just overthinking everything and I just feel like my anxiety has taken control."
She continued, "I'm trying to push myself outside of that and post more and get back to what I was doing before. I feel like I haven't been active because I've just been in my own head, in this kind of funky rut and we're working through it."
Now, Spiranac is back with a vengeance, and her early Halloween costume is just the latest example of her reconnecting with fans. The photo's rapid rise to viral status underscores her enduring appeal and the strong connection she has with her audience.
This isn't the first time Spiranac has made waves with a social media post. Earlier this year, she shed light on the financial toll of LPGA Q-School, and she's also been quick to highlight rising stars like Emma Carpenter. Her ability to blend golf insight with a playful personality has made her one of the most followed figures in the sport.
As she prepares for the Internet Invitational, Spiranac seems determined to leave last year's drama behind. With the viral costume photo, she's already signaling that she's in a good place — and ready to have fun on the course again.
