Paige Spiranac is speaking out after facing intense backlash for a rules controversy during Barstool Sports’ “Internet Invitational,” saying the fallout has been far more extreme than anything she has experienced in a decade of building a golf audience.
Spiranac was part of the social media-driven event earlier this year when cameras caught her stepping down long grass in front of her partner Malosi Togisala’s ball.
Competitors pointed it out immediately, and the moment made its way into the final cut of the series, which aired in October.
Hi🥰 pic.twitter.com/gLEeHZOGKO
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) October 6, 2023
After taking a break from posting, Spiranac returned to Instagram on Tuesday with a string of stories explaining how severe the reaction has been.
“The last week and a half is probably the worst hate I’ve ever received in the 10 years of me doing this,” she said, via The Daily Mail. Spiranac added that she received “tens of thousands of death threats” and messages telling her to harm herself.
Happy Holidays! pic.twitter.com/3wlaveVPEd
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) December 23, 2022
She said the situation became serious enough that she and her support system discussed the possibility of seeking a restraining order.
Spiranac told her followers she stepped away to protect her mental health.
Paige Spiranac/X)
“I just needed to remove myself,” she said. “One thing I struggle with is wanting to be liked and accepted, and I don’t want anyone to dislike me. This has not been easy.”
During the event itself, Spiranac broke down in tears after being confronted by opponents. She insisted she did not realize the move was a rules infraction.
Paige Spiranac Instagram via Getty Images/Marca
“I am painfully, painfully embarrassed that I did not know this rule,” Spiranac said. “I would never intentionally cheat. I have never been accused of cheating.
“With that many people and cameras around, to do something intentionally would be insane. I made a mistake, learned from it, and I will never do it again.”
Happy Masters week💚 pic.twitter.com/JO2BNWtoEP
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) April 8, 2024
Spiranac’s team ultimately lost on the 18th hole, and another rules issue involving Togisala was featured in the episode.
pic.twitter.com/SPZQf1t0mH
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) January 19, 2025
She closed her message by thanking those who have reached out with support. “It really means so much to me,” she said.
