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Paige Spiranac, a well-known golf influencer and social media personality, addressed a surge of criticism regarding her recent golf attire while practicing at a driving range this past weekend.
The golfer sported a fitted one-piece outfit as she showcased her shots, sharing various photos on her Instagram. In one post, she expressed her fondness for the range where she began her golfing journey.
“I hit my very first golf ball on this range and all these years later it’s still one of my favorite places,” she captioned one of her images, reflecting on her deep-rooted connection to the sport.
However, some individuals took issue with her fashion choice, targeting her in the comments section. Known for her resilience against negative feedback, Spiranac seemed surprised by the extent of the criticism this time.
“People are so mad about this outfit,” she stated in an Instagram Story, which has since expired. According to reports, she found it ironic that the outfit was perceived as controversial, adding, “The funny part is I really thought it was one of my more conservative looks.”
Critiques about Spiranac’s clothing are hardly new. Over the years, she has frequently responded to complaints regarding her golfing apparel. During a September 2023 interview with Sports Illustrated, she elaborated on her fashion choices, explaining the backstory behind her signature style.
“I was a gymnast before I switched into golf,” Spiranac shared. “I was so comfortable wearing spandex and very little of it because that’s just what you wear when you’re wearing a leotard and you’re competing.”
She continued, revealing that her transition into golf was not just a career change, but a financially challenging period for her. “When I switched into golf, we were struggling a little bit financially and so I didn’t have the luxury to go out and buy a whole new golf-appropriate wardrobe. So, I wore what was in my closet, which was workout clothes. That’s just how I learned to play the game.”
In a notable moment earlier this year, Spiranac challenged societal double standards. In July 2023, she posted a response to the way online audiences reacted to a video of two shirtless baseball players. She pointed out the lack of similar criticism directed at them, contrasting it with the harsh comments aimed at her for her attire.
“Interesting how different the reaction is online when men choose to show off their bodies,” she remarked on the platform known as X, formally Twitter. “Not one comment on this video calling them attention whores or sluts. Just a ton of women saying baseball is now their favorite sport, but those same women harshly judge me. The hypocrisy lol.”
With over four million followers on Instagram and an additional 1.6 million on TikTok, Spiranac has garnered a substantial audience, allowing her to amplify her voice on issues such as body positivity and self-expression in sports.
As Spiranac continues to navigate her career at the intersection of sports and social media, her conversations surrounding fashion choices and the associated judgments reflect ongoing societal dialogues about gender, attire, and personal expression in the world of athletics.
Ultimately, Spiranac’s ability to rise above criticisms speaks to her strength and determination as a public figure in a male-dominated sport. Whether on the course or in the realm of social media, she remains committed to her authentic self.
This ongoing discussion sheds light on how female athletes often face scrutiny that their male counterparts usually escape. As the conversation evolves, so too does the need for greater understanding and acceptance of diverse expressions in sports attire.
