Paige Spiranac wants golf to be for everyone. It’s that simple.
The popular influencer tore into experienced golfers for “gatekeeping” the game from new players, calling the attitude and behaviour “gross” in a post on social media that quickly blew up online.
“I love golf. I want everyone to play and I’m excited about all the new people getting into the game. I feel that should be the attitude everyone should have if you truly love the game,” the blond bombshell posted to her X account on Thursday.
“I’m so tired of hearing ‘shrink’ and hating on this new culture of golf fans. This condescending and belittling behavior of new golfers is gross to me. You’re not better than someone else or morally superior because you’ve played longer.
“Golf doesn’t need to be stuffy and exclusive to preserve what we all love about the game so much. It’s about community.
“Part of the growth is educating and helping new players learn. Stop gatekeeping golf.”
It’s a solid message from a former collegiate champion golfer that consistently has spoken of her desire to help grow the game as an influencer.
What was the reaction to Spiranac’s post?
But while Spiranac’s message to help grow the game was very well intentioned, the replies she received weren’t exactly kind.
After more than 2.3 million views on X and hundreds of comments, Spiranac decided to address the flood of replies to her post.
“A couple things here after reading the responses,” she shared on Friday morning, less than 24 hours after the original post. “I’ve been lucky enough to play at some of the nicest courses and I also still play (and pay for rounds) at munis (municipal courses).
“Debauchery and poor pace of play happens at both from new golfers to old. I think people in general are less kind and considerate and that is also showing up on the golf course.”
She then expanded on what seems to be the biggest criticism around newcomers to the game.
“Pace of the play seems to be the biggest issue for everyone,” she wrote while offering a solution. “I think if courses stick to 12-15 minute interval tee times and crack down on pace of play then the experience will be enhanced for all.”
Finally, she called out some of the “vile” comments she received – something that has plagued her presence on social media for ages.
“It’s funny how people will preach decorum, etiquette and how it’s a gentleman’s game while also sending the most vile tweets,” he posted.