Golf. Paige Spiranac responds to cheating claims and death threats
Paige Spiranac has once again spoken out on why many professional golfers choose to maintain a low profile, especially when it comes to social media.
In a recent appearance on the We Need a Fourth podcast with host Brian Baumgartner, she defended top golfers’ decisions to limit their online presence and emphasized the need for more understanding of the pressures they face behind the scenes.
Spiranac explained that golf is a sport unlike many others, where mental stability is crucial and even minor distractions can disrupt performance.
“Golf is heavily reliant on mental steadiness,” she noted, describing the constant flood of commentary and fan expectations on social media as something that can “mentally mess you up.”
She compared that to other professional athletes like LeBron James or Steph Curry, who appear to navigate social media effortlessly. For golfers, however, outside noise can have a tangible impact on their ability to perform at the highest level.
Beyond the mental strain, tradition plays a significant role in shaping golfers’ public behavior. Spiranac highlighted that golf’s deeply conservative culture, from the sport itself to sponsors and media expectations, discourages players from showing personality or sharing opinions freely.
“A lot of players are scared to speak their mind or show personality because you’re going to get backlash from your more traditional conservative brands,” she explained.
Players who step outside this norm often face scrutiny or become targets of online criticism. Spiranac cited Rory McIlroy as an example. Earlier this year, McIlroy opted out of post-round media interviews at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open, citing frustration and personal reasons.
While media coverage painted him as distant or aloof, Spiranac emphasized that these decisions are often protective measures. In golf, being authentic can quickly draw criticism, especially when opinions or behaviors clash with traditional expectations.
For professional golfers, limiting social media engagement and public appearances isn’t just avoiding their duties. The slightest mental disruption can throw off a player’s swing, and external pressures can amplify that. Spiranac’s point is that what some view as limiting availability is often a strategy to maintain focus.
In an era where athletes are expected to constantly be online, Spiranac’s remarks call for fans to understand players who prioritize their mental health over publicity. The goal for most golfers is not likes or followers but performing at their best and protecting their mental well-being.
