Paige Spiranac, the former professional golfer turned social media sensation, has once again captured the golf world’s attention with a candid and quirky revelation about her encounter with the legendary Tiger Woods. Known for her engaging online presence and bold commentary, Spiranac recently shared a story that blends her admiration for Woods with an unexpected personal anecdote, leaving fans both amused and intrigued. The tale, which unfolded during a chipping lesson at one of Woods’ charity events, highlights not only her respect for his golfing prowess but also a humorous detail that has sparked widespread conversation.
During an interview on Super Bowl LIX radio row, Spiranac recounted the moment she received a chipping lesson from Woods, an experience she described as the “greatest of her life.” The lesson focused on a low-spinning chip shot, a technique Woods demonstrated with precision. “We were doing this low little spinny shot,” Spiranac explained, “and so we opened the club up almost like on your back, open stance, narrow choke down, and you take it out and almost slice across it.” Using a 54-degree wedge, the shot comes out low and checks on the second bounce, a “really cool shot” that Woods executed flawlessly. Spiranac’s detailed recollection of the technique showcases her deep knowledge of the game, earned through years of playing and studying golf, even if her professional career took a different path.
What made the story truly stand out, however, was Spiranac’s lighthearted confession about Woods’ presence. “He smells so good, by the way… like that was the first thing I noticed,” she quipped, later adding that his scent reminded her of “success.” The comment, delivered with her signature humor, took a more endearing turn when she admitted to being so starstruck that she didn’t wash her jacket for an “embarrassingly long time” after Woods hugged her. This blend of technical golf insight and playful fangirling has endeared her to fans, who appreciate her ability to balance expertise with relatability.
Spiranac’s massive following—over four million on Instagram, surpassing even Woods’ 3.6 million—has made her a dominant voice in golf’s online community. Her transition from professional golfer to influencer began after struggles on the pro circuit, including a failed attempt to earn an LPGA Tour card. Yet, her authenticity and passion for the sport have kept her connected to fans. This latest anecdote about Woods reinforces her knack for sharing stories that resonate, whether through technical tips or personal charm. Her openness about admiring Woods, even defending him during his 2009 scandal by arguing that “no one lives a perfect life,” reflects her willingness to speak candidly, a trait that sets her apart in the often-traditional world of golf.
The confession has sparked a mix of reactions. Some fans find her honesty refreshing, praising her for humanizing a golf icon like Woods, who is often seen as larger-than-life. Others have taken to social media to poke fun at the “smell of success” comment, with memes and jokes circulating widely. Regardless, Spiranac’s story underscores Woods’ enduring influence, even as he recovers from Achilles surgery and is unlikely to compete in major tournaments until the 2026 Masters. Her tribute, paired with her recent role in the Grass League, a new high-stakes par-3 golf venture, shows her continued impact on the sport’s culture.
As Spiranac continues to educate and entertain, her Woods anecdote serves as a reminder of golf’s ability to connect people through shared moments of awe and humor. Whether it’s mastering a chip shot or marveling at a legend’s aura, Spiranac’s story captures the sport’s magic in a way only she can.