Golf star Paige Spiranac cries after being accused of "cheating" during $1m Internet Invitational - FOGOLF

Golf influencer Paige Spiranac found herself at the centre of unexpected drama after she was accused of “cheating” during the high-stakes Internet Invitational — a YouTube tournament backed by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports.

The 32-year-old star, who boasts over 11 million followers, was competing in the alternate-shot finale when cameras captured a moment that sparked instant controversy.

Footage appeared to show Spiranac pressing down long grass around teammate Malosi Togisala’s ball in the rough.

With $1 million on the line, tensions were already high — and the clip quickly became the talking point of the entire event.

The moment that raised eyebrows

After Togisala stepped up to the shot and produced a brilliant strike from the rough, voices around the group started questioning whether the lie had been improved.

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Barstool founder Dave Portnoy was quick to comment, joking: “Did Paige put that on a tee for you?”

Influencer golfer Peter Finch also expressed concern, saying: “Paige has gone ahead of the ball and pressed down the long grass in front. There’s no way he could have hit that shot without that.”

@barstoolsports

Players initially dismissed the moment as a “non-issue,” especially since Spiranac’s team actually lost the hole.

But the murmurs didn’t go away — they grew.

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Paige Spiranac gets emotional

When the issue was raised directly with her, Spiranac visibly struggled with the accusation.

Footage showed her shocked and upset as she tried to explain her actions.

“I thought we could do that… I didn’t realise,” she said.

“I wasn’t trying to cheat. I would never do that.”

Paige admitted she didn't know the particular rule

Paige admitted she didn’t know the particular rule

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Spiranac was at the centre of a cheating storm

As the pressure intensified, Spiranac became emotional, wiping tears away before walking off the green to compose herself.

Watch what happened here:

Peter Finch speaks out

Finch then went on to discuss the incident at length on The Rough Cut Golf Podcast, offering his full view of what happened.

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Finch’s comments about the cheating allegations begin at 13 minutes…

Who won the Internet Invitational?

If you don’t want to know the result, then you can watch it below.

Otherwise scroll down to find out who won…

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While Spiranac’s emotional moment grabbed headlines, the $1 million prize ultimately went to the team of Brad Dalke, Francis Ellis and Cody “Beef” Franke, who edged Spiranac’s group in the final showdown.

Team Spiranac was made up of Spiranac, Togisala and Frankie Borrelli.

The victory carries an even more poignant note.

The YouTube golf event was filmed shortly before the tragic passing of “Beef” Franke, who died in October at just 31 years old.

Portnoy and the Barstool team later paid tribute to their friend and colleague.

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Spiranac also shared her condolences, writing: “Heartbreaking news. He was such a kind and good person.”

RIP Beef

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