Paige Spiranac is stepping into the heated debate over fan conduct at the U.S. Open, and she's not pointing fingers at New York. Instead, the golf influencer and former collegiate player sees a bigger, uglier trend sweeping the sport.
The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club drew fire after Wyndham Clark, the tournament champion, endured harsh remarks from the gallery. One Golf Channel analyst went so far as to call Long Island golf fans a "stain" on the game, citing a pattern of hostility at Bethpage and other local venues. But Spiranac isn't buying that narrative.
"I don't think the behavior at the US Open has anything to do with New York or the growth of golf," Spiranac wrote on social media. "There has been a shift in recent years where people have become downright nasty. Maybe it's exhaustion from life beating us all down or the lack of consequences of being hateful online. But it's noticeable."
Her comments come amid ongoing debate over U.S. Open course conditions and a broader conversation about sportsmanship. Spiranac argues that the negativity isn't confined to Long Island—it's a symptom of a culture saturated with online vitriol.
"I just feel everything online is negative and when you're in that headspace 24/7 it bleeds into your real life," she added. The shift, she says, is "downright nasty" and has become impossible to ignore.
While some analysts have singled out New York fans—comparing the behavior to rowdy crowds at Yankees and Knicks games—Spiranac believes the problem is more widespread. She points to the anonymity and lack of accountability online as fuel for real-world rudeness.
Interestingly, Spiranac has also been a vocal advocate for golf's etiquette rules, suggesting that respect on the course should never go out of style. Her latest remarks echo that sentiment, urging fans to check their negativity at the gate.
The truth, as Spiranac implies, may lie somewhere in the middle. Yes, Long Island crowds can be intense—but the rise in "downright nasty" behavior reflects a broader cultural shift. Whether it's exhaustion, online hate, or just a changing sport, one thing is clear: golf's vibe is shifting, and not everyone is thrilled about it.
As the sport continues to grow, Spiranac's voice serves as a reminder that respect and sportsmanship should never take a backseat to viral moments or loud crowds. The game, after all, is meant to be enjoyed—not endured.
