Paige Spiranac, the former professional golfer turned social media influencer, has long been a polarizing figure in the world of golf. Known for her bold presence both on and off the course, Spiranac has built a massive following of over 11 million across her social media platforms, where she shares golf tips, personal stories, and a glimpse into her life as one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities. In a recent episode of her podcast, Playing A Round with Paige Renee, Spiranac opened up about her dating experiences during her college years, revealing how her golfing prowess often became the centerpiece of her romantic encounters. More than just a trip down memory lane, her candid revelations are part of a broader mission to inspire more women to embrace golf, a sport she believes can be empowering and inclusive.

Spiranac’s journey in golf began almost by accident. Born in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to an athletic family—her father a college football champion and her mother a professional ballerina—she initially pursued gymnastics with Olympic aspirations. However, a twice-broken kneecap at age 12 forced her to pivot to golf, a decision that would shape her career and public persona. Her early success on Colorado’s junior golf circuit and later at San Diego State University, where she led the Aztecs to their first Mountain West Conference championship in 2015, showcased her talent. Yet, it was her transition to social media stardom after a brief professional golf career that truly defined her influence.

In her podcast, Spiranac shared lighthearted yet revealing stories about her dating life during her college days. Eager to connect with potential partners, she often used her golfing skills as a conversation starter, hoping it would make her stand out. “I would always open up a conversation with, ‘Hey, I play golf,’ and I thought that it would work,” she said. Unfortunately, many of these encounters turned into impromptu golf lessons rather than romantic connections. Men would suggest “golf dates” at driving ranges, only for Spiranac to find herself coaching them for hours. “It would turn into an hour lesson of me just helping the guy become a better golfer,” she admitted, noting that some even took advantage of her generosity to score free golf balls or equipment. In one instance, she discovered a man she was interested in was already in a relationship, using her lessons to improve his game while leading her on.

These experiences, while frustrating at the time, are now anecdotes Spiranac shares with humor and perspective. She acknowledges her naivety, admitting she was “desperate” for acceptance and believed her golfing skills would make her appealing. Yet, these stories also highlight the challenges she faced in a male-dominated sport, where her presence was often scrutinized. Spiranac has been vocal about the cyberbullying she endured, particularly for “sexualizing women’s golf” through her bold fashion choices and social media content. Despite the criticism, she has remained unapologetic, using her platform to advocate for self-love and resilience.

Beyond her personal stories, Spiranac’s mission is to make golf more accessible and appealing, especially to women. She believes the sport offers unique opportunities for empowerment, confidence-building, and community. “Golf is a game that anyone can play, and it’s a great way to connect with others,” she said during a recent Instagram Q&A. Her efforts to grow the game include collaborating with platforms like YouTube’s Good Good and participating in the PGA’s Creator Classic in 2024, events that showcase golf’s fun and inclusive side. Spiranac’s tutorials, such as her recent video on raking a bunker, blend practical advice with her signature charisma, encouraging beginners to pick up a club without fear of judgment.

Spiranac’s influence extends beyond instruction. By sharing her struggles—whether it’s navigating dating mishaps or overcoming anxiety—she connects with her audience on a human level. Her decision to speak out about the darker side of her rise, including rumors and scrutiny during her 2015 Dubai Ladies Masters debut, underscores her resilience. “My anxiety is my superpower,” she told Golf Digest, crediting therapy for helping her embrace her authentic self. This authenticity resonates with her followers, many of whom are new to golf or hesitant to enter a sport often seen as exclusive.

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For Spiranac, encouraging women to take up golf is about more than just growing the game—it’s about breaking down barriers and redefining who belongs on the course. Her dating stories, while amusing, reflect the broader challenges women face in golf, from being underestimated to feeling unwelcome at certain  clubs. Yet, she remains optimistic, urging women to embrace the sport’s challenges and rewards. “Golf can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Don’t let anyone tell you you don’t belong.” With her platform, Spiranac continues to inspire a new generation of golfers, proving that the fairway is a place for everyone.