Latest news with #ex-LPGA


Newsweek
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Paige Spiranac Drops 'Hot Take' Sunday Golfers May Not Like
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Paige Spiranac has never been one to hold back. Whether it's a swing tip, a style statement, or a sharp opinion, the ex-LPGA pro has built her brand on being unapologetically outspoken. Even after stepping away from the LPGA circuit to prioritize her mental health, Spiranac remains one of golf's most recognizable figures with over 4 million Instagram followers and a million more on TikTok. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Paige Spiranac looks over a putt on the 12th hole during the 2024 Creator Classic prior to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2024 in... ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Paige Spiranac looks over a putt on the 12th hole during the 2024 Creator Classic prior to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) More Getty Images Just days ago, her efforts to grow the game were publicly acknowledged by Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam. Following the praise, Spiranac posted her 'hot take' on golf, which Sunday golfers might not like: "Hot take. If you can't fix your ball mark on the green you shouldn't be allowed to play. It takes two seconds to do and requires no skill," she typed on X. The message was blunt, striking a chord with the widespread frustration felt across the golf community. Hot take. If you can't fix your ball mark on the green you shouldn't be allowed to play. It takes two seconds to do and requires no skill. — Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) June 21, 2025 Ball marks - those small craters left when a ball lands on the green may seem harmless, but when left unrepaired, they can take up to 3 weeks to heal and ruin the putting surface for everyone else. According to a 2024 report, a course hosting just 100 rounds a day can accumulate over 10,000 ball marks in a single month. Properly repaired marks heal in 24 to 48 hours. Left alone, they scar the green, disrupt putts, and invite disease. Spiranac's post wasn't just a rant but a call for basic etiquette. And while her tone may have ruffled feathers among casual "Sunday golfers," the point stands. "It takes two seconds," she emphasized. "And requires no skill." In other words, there's no excuse! The criticism is especially pointed at weekend players, who often play slower rounds and are statistically more likely to skip course care basics. Per Golf365, many amateurs either don't know how to fix a pitch mark or do it incorrectly, causing more harm than good. This isn't the 1st time Spiranac sounded off on course etiquette In January, she posted a video saying, "Nothing grinds my gears more than someone who doesn't fix their ball mark," adding that it's a sign of respect for the course and the players behind you. She's even shared tutorials on how to do it properly, using a tee or divot tool to gently push the turf inward and tamp it down with a putter. The caption said, "The golf gods are watching," she joked in a previous post. "Fix yours and one more. It's good karma." And while her latest hot take may sting for some, it's a reminder that etiquette isn't optional but a part of the game. What is your opinion? Let us know in the comment section below! More Golf: Jordan Spieth Crushes Beers and Wings to Get Over U.S. Open Misery


Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Paige Spiranac's 'Niche' Gets Nod of Approval from Annika Sorenstam
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Paige Spiranac has never been just a social media personality - the 32-year-old has been shaping golf's reach for years. While she faced challenges during her brief pro golf career, stepping away from the LPGA never meant stepping away from the game. Instead, she built a brand that extends beyond the course. Be it golf rules, slow play, or the future of the sport, she always speaks her mind, and fans love her for that. Recently, the influential queen even got recognition from none other than Annika Sorenstam, the 10-time major winner and the LPGA's all-time earnings leader. Paige Spiranac 'Niche' Gets Nod of Approval from Annika Sorenstam. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images) Paige Spiranac 'Niche' Gets Nod of Approval from Annika Sorenstam. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images) Getty Images Speaking to Fox News Digital, Sorenstam gave her stamp of approval to Paige and other golf influencers, saying: "I think it is great. I just want more people to play, to enjoy it, to have a good time, and experience it, whether it comes from traditional golfers, you know, the way we used to watch it on TV or read about it in magazines or whatever." "Nowadays, information is shared differently, people get information in different places, so I think it is great." "They bring a different view or perspective into the sport. Whether it is fashion or trick shots, I mean they all have a little niche," she added. Spiranac has made her 'niche' undeniable over the years. Blending golf content, entertainment, fashion and viral trends, she keeps pulling in a new generation of fans. Not long ago, her presence was felt during the PGA Tour's events as well. Back in May, Spiranac hosted the Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass, offering a fresh take on golf content, and was a key figure at the Philly Cricket Club event before the Truist Championship. The Creator Classic is today at TPC Sawgrass! I played in the first one at East Lake and today I'll be in a different role! — Paige spiranac (@LoveG20904) May 10, 2025 If that is not enough, her presence on podcasts, social media, and golf exhibitions speaks volumes. The ex-LPGA pro has kept herself deeply involved while challenging outdated norms, especially when it comes to women's apparel regulations and inclusivity. This ultimately also landed her in golf's most famous Netflix series, Happy Gilmore 2, alongside the biggest names like John Daly, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda, Rory McIlroy and more. Summer just got happy-er. Adam Sandler stars in Happy Gilmore 2 arriving July 25. #TUDUM — Netflix (@netflix) June 1, 2025 Getting recognised is not just a win for Paige and other golf influencers, but a push for them to continue their efforts to expand the game. Alongside Spiranac, some other notable golf influencers are Grace Charis and Alyn, who have also built their loyal fan base over time. More Golf: Adam Scott Shows Ultimate Class after U.S. Open Collapse