Golf influencer Paige Spiranac has reduced her online presence due to ongoing anxiety and a personal rut. In a recent Instagram Q&A, she shared her challenges with overthinking and mental health. Spiranac also discussed feeling misunderstood and her plans to show more of her authentic self.
Golf influencer Paige Spiranac explained her reduced social media activity during a fan Q&A on her Instagram Story on Tuesday. She described being in a prolonged funk, stating, “I am in a bit of a funk, a rut if you will, and its not like a one or two day thing.” Spiranac attributed her absence to anxiety that has led her to overthink everything, saying, “I feel like I’ve just been so in my head about everything and I’m just trying to work through it.” This has also prompted her to take a break from playing golf.
Addressing a misconception about herself, Spiranac said she feels “actually really misunderstood.” She reflected on past frustrations, noting, “I almost felt bad for myself for such a long time and I was frustrated why people weren’t seeing me in a certain way or seeing me for me.” She realized that perceptions stem from what she shares online and has put up walls due to the draining nature of her job. Moving forward, she aims to focus on authenticity: “This year it’s more about showing and less explaining and trying to defend myself and just being who I am.”
Spiranac has been vocal about her severe social anxiety and the challenges of public life. She referenced a difficult experience at the $1 million Internet Invitational in August, where she faced tens of thousands of death threats after being accused of cheating on the ninth hole. She broke down in tears on camera, denying any intent to cheat. Later, she quietly donated her day-two winnings of about $15,000 or $16,000 to the Cody “Beef” Franke foundation; Franke, the competition winner, passed away months later.
Currently, Spiranac is working on a fun golf series and potentially launching her own product.
