A new surge of scrutiny hit social media this week as the controversy surrounding Paige Spiranac and Malosi “Big Mo” Togisala flared up again, overshadowing the recent $1 million Barstool Sports Internet Invitational.
What began with viewers flagging a disputed moment on the course has now escalated into a widespread debate over rule enforcement, fairness, and how creator-driven golf competitions should be overseen.
There seems to be a rules discrepancy over this lie at the @InternetInvite pic.twitter.com/Okfe2d7Sti
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 14, 2025
Millions have now seen the tournament footage across Barstool’s platforms.
Instead of celebrating the dramatic finish and the seven-figure prize awarded to the winning squad, the public conversation has shifted almost entirely to whether a rule was broken, what responsibilities players have in these formats, and why the central figures have remained silent since the final episode aired.
Who’s Under the Brightest Spotlight Now?
Two of golf’s most recognizable internet personalities are at the center of the storm:
Paige Spiranac, influencer and aspiring PGA Tour broadcaster
Malosi “Big Mo” Togisala, long-drive specialist and Barstool-affiliated golfer
The controversy traces back to two moments in the competition:
A disputed ball position, which viewers believe may not have been played from its original spot.
A debate over a slope-enabled rangefinder, a feature commonly restricted in competitive play depending on the event’s rules.
Paige Spiranac (@_paige.renee Instagram)
Paige’s earlier emotional posts shared before viewers understood the context resurfaced once the tournament finale was released, and her complete silence since then has only intensified public interest.
Meanwhile, Big Mo has asked online users not to target his family as discussions grew increasingly personal.
What the Tournament Footage Shows and Why It’s Being Questioned
The Barstool Invitational featured a roster of viral golfers, former competitive players, and Barstool hosts. The winning team delivered a nail-biting finish, but online viewers quickly focused on the rule-related moments instead of the golf itself.
Key elements driving the ongoing debate include:
the unusually high $1 million prize, rare for a creator-run event
the presence of well-known personalities with loyal followings
the absence of a public, formal ruling from event organizers
repeated slow-motion breakdowns of the footage across social media
This combination created a cycle where fans rewatched clips, discussed interpretations of golf rules, and compared expectations between influencer events and professional tournaments.
How Rule Enforcement Works in Influencer Golf Events
Golf competitions outside the PGA Tour or USGA-sanctioned tournaments often borrow core rules while adapting certain procedures to fit the event format. Understanding how rules typically work helps explain why this controversy continues to gain traction.
Ball Position (USGA Rule 9.1)
Under USGA guidelines, golfers must generally play the ball as it lies unless the competition specifies a different rule. Moving a ball to improve the lie is considered a breach if done intentionally. In informal or modified events, penalties depend on the tournament’s published rule sheet.
Distance Devices and Slope (USGA Rule 4.3a)
Distance-measuring devices are widely allowed in amateur play, but slope-adjusted yardages are typically prohibited in competitive settings because they offer additional calculated information. Whether an event allows or bans the feature depends entirely on its official rules.
Intent and Tournament Structure
Most non-tour events evaluate potential rule breaches based on:
whether the relevant rule was clearly communicated
whether the action was intentional
what procedures the event uses to review footage
These events often rely on organizers rather than full officiating crews to determine outcomes.
With a seven-figure payout and millions of viewers, expectations were high. Many fans anticipated professional-level officiating, even though creator-driven tournaments often operate under different structures.
How This Scandal Could Shape Future Creator Golf Events
Influencer golf has exploded in popularity, but this controversy highlights a growing tension: fans expect fairness standards similar to professional golf, especially when significant prize money is involved.
Paige Spiranac (@_paige.renee Instagram)
Whether Paige Spiranac and Big Mo address the controversy could influence how future events handle rules, officials, and public transparency.
Barstool events typically thrive on spectacle, but for the players involved, reputational impact can last long after the cameras stop rolling.
Eyes remain on the tournament organizers and on Paige and Big Mo to see if explanations, clarifications, or rule changes emerge as the discussions continue.
