In late 2025, golf influencer Paige Spiranac — one of the sport’s most recognizable social media personalities — found herself at the center of an online firestorm after a controversial moment in a high‑profile influencer golf event. What started as a simple rule misunderstanding turned into a massive reputation crisis, with Spiranac revealing she’s received “tens of thousands” of death threats in the wake of the controversy. The Independent+1
In this comprehensive article, we’ll unpack the controversy, answer the most frequently asked questions, explore the broader implications for influencers and fans alike, and offer actionable insights into handling online backlash, reputation management, and mental health in the public eye.
Introduction: The Scandal That Shocked the Golf World
Paige Spiranac’s name is synonymous with golf influence and social engagement. With millions of followers across platforms, she’s built a brand blending sports, lifestyle, and personal authenticity. But when footage from The Internet Invitational — a major influencer show featuring a $1 million prize — showed her patting down grass near the ball during play, the reaction was explosive. Her team ultimately lost the final, but the bigger story was what happened afterward: Spiranac claims she received “tens of thousands of death threats” and had to step back from social media for the sake of her mental health. The Independent
This incident offers a stark glimpse into the dark side of online fandom, the vulnerability of influencers under scrutiny, and the power of narrative in today’s digital age.
Who Is Paige Spiranac? A Quick Context
Paige Spiranac is not just another influencer — she’s a former college and professional golfer turned social media personality. Known for making golf more accessible and entertaining, she’s collaborated with major brands, competed in events, and amassed millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Wikipedia
Her presence brought mainstream attention to influencer golf events such as The Internet Invitational, which blends traditional sports competition with reality‑style drama and broad online engagement.
The Controversy Explained: What Happened at The Internet Invitational?
At the heart of this incident is a moment in The Internet Invitational — a six‑episode golf competition featuring popular creators and influencers, hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports. During this competition, video showed Spiranac seemingly pressing down the rough (grass) near a ball, which is considered a rules violation in golf if it improves another player’s lie. The Independent
Key Details:
- She did this during the ninth hole of the finals. The Independent
- Cameras captured the moment, sparking immediate discussion online. The Independent
- Spiranac said she was “painfully embarrassed” because she didn’t know at the time that the action was against the official rules. Golf Digest
- Her team ended up losing the match, and the controversy exploded on social media. Yahoo Sports
While she denied intentionally cheating — emphasizing that she “would never intentionally cheat” in her decade playing golf — critics seized on the viral footage and fueled a wave of backlash. Yahoo Sports
Why Did Social Media React So Strongly?
Several factors contributed to the intensity of the online reaction:
1. Viral Footage and Narrative Momentum
When video of the rule violation spread on YouTube and social networks, the visual evidence became the central storyline. In today’s digital environment, viral moments shape public perception faster than facts can be clarified.
2. The Emotional Charge of Sports Rivalry
Golf fans and influencer audiences are deeply invested in authenticity, fair play, and competition — especially when large stakes ($1 million) are involved.
3. Influencers’ Public Personas
Influencers like Spiranac thrive on fan engagement and relatability. When a perceived breach of ethics occurs, followers may feel personally betrayed, fueling intense reactions.
4. Anonymity and Online Toxicity
The darker side of social media allows individuals to hide behind anonymity — making aggressive threats and harmful comments without accountability.
What Spiranac Revealed: The Backlash and Its Toll
In a candid Instagram Q&A, Spiranac opened up about the scale and severity of the backlash:
🔹 She described it as the worst hate she’s received in her 10‑year career. Golf Digest
🔹 She reported receiving “tens of thousands of death threats”, including messages telling her to end her life. Yahoo Sports
🔹 The abuse was so severe that she and her support team discussed filing a restraining order against some offenders. Yahoo Sports
🔹 She stepped away from social media to protect her mental health and well‑being. The Independent
This level of hostility raises important questions about the responsibilities of fans and the toxicity of online culture — especially when directed at real human beings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Paige Spiranac Incident
1. Did Paige Spiranac Actually Cheat?
Officially, no formal penalty was assessed during the event because her team still lost the hole and match. However, the visual evidence suggested she altered the playing conditions, which is against golf rules. She has maintained that it was an honest mistake due to not knowing the specific rule. The Independent
2. How Many Followers Does Spiranac Have?
Spiranac’s profile spans multiple platforms — with reports estimating millions of followers, particularly on Instagram. Some sources cite around 7 million followers across her platforms. Golf Digest
3. What Types of Threats Did She Receive?
According to her own statements, the threats ranged from death threats to messages encouraging self‑harm — the most vile and horrendous language directed at an individual she’s encountered online. Yahoo Sports
4. Why Is This a Big Deal Beyond Golf?
This incident highlights the intersection of sports, social media influence, and online community behavior. It underscores how quickly narratives can escalate and how influencers are uniquely vulnerable to intense public scrutiny.
What This Means for Influencers and Public Figures
🌟 Influencer Vulnerability
Modern influencers operate in a space where online engagement drives brand value, but also exposes them to extreme public reactions.
🚨 Online Safety and Mental Health
Receiving threatening messages — particularly at a large scale — can have a profound impact on mental health. Spiranac’s decision to step back reflects a growing trend where public figures prioritize well‑being over online presence. The Independent
⚖️ Fan Responsibility
Audiences play a crucial role in shaping online discourse. Respectful criticism is valid, but threatening language crosses ethical boundaries and can cause real harm.
Actionable Takeaways for Brands, Influencers, and Fans
✔️ For Influencers
- Develop a crisis management plan before controversy arises.
- Moderate comments and DMs with professional tools or teams.
- Prioritize mental health by setting boundaries with social media.
✔️ For Brands and Sponsors
- Vet influencer partnerships with a focus on ethical responses during backlash.
- Support creators with public relations and mental health resources when necessary.
✔️ For Fans and Followers
- Remember that influencers are real people — with families, emotions, and limits.
- Critique actions, not individuals, and avoid dehumanizing rhetoric.
- Report threatening behavior to platform moderators and authorities.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Viral Moment
The Paige Spiranac controversy isn’t just about golf — it’s about the power and peril of online culture. A single moment captured on camera spiraled into an international conversation about fairness in sport, the intensity of online fan behavior, and the personal cost of influence.
As fans, brands, and influencers navigate this digital landscape together, conversations about accountability, respect, and empathy will be essential. For Spiranac, this moment is painful but also a potent reminder of the need for transparency and resilience in a world where millions of eyes are always watching.
