One of golf’s most influential faces on social media, Paige Spiranac, has never shied away from speaking up, especially when it comes to mental health. And this week, she reminded its importance again.
In a bold post on Instagram, Spiranac reopened old wounds from her love-hate relationship with the game, sharing what it felt like to walk away from her dream of playing professionally.
“Ever since I started playing golf at 13, I always wanted to play professionally,” Spiranac wrote as she posted a video of herself jumping onto a social media trend. “There are so many reasons why someone doesn’t make it to that level and for me it was mental,” she continued.
“I’ve always struggled with competing under pressure. I would always crack and was the worst version of myself. I’m so grateful for the detour my life took years ago.”
Spiranac’s journey to the LPGA was short-lived but intense. After a standout college career at San Diego State, where the 32-year-old won the 2013 Mountain West Conference Championship, she turned pro and joined the Cactus Tour.
Though she picked up a win in 2016, she never secured full LPGA Tour status. The pressure, she admits, was overwhelming.
“Although I felt like a loser and a quitter at the time, I always knew I wasn’t cut out for professional sports and was able to find a path better suited for my personality,” she added in the same post.
Spiranac took retirement from professional golf nine years ago, and that changed everything. Today, she boasts over 4 million followers on Instagram and has become one of the most recognizable figures in golf media.
Over the years, she hosted FedEx Cup events, PGA Tour fan events, partnered with brands like PointsBet and Blue Tees, and even made a cameo in “Happy Gilmore 2” this summer.
“It’s time we stop beating ourselves up and start being our own biggest cheerleaders! I love creating, the game of golf, and connecting with you all. Thank you for your support,” the golfing diva reminded her fans as she ended the message.