Just five minutes ago, on April 24, 2025, at 2:39 PM, Paige Spiranac, often dubbed the “sexiest golfer” by media outlets, took to social media to address a swirling controversy that has reignited debates about her career trajectory and the challenges women face in sports. The 32-year-old former professional golfer turned influencer has been at the center of renewed allegations that she “sold her body” to build her career, a claim that stems from her early days in golf and her subsequent rise as a social media personality. Spiranac, who boasts over 4 million Instagram followers and a significant presence across platforms, used her latest post on X to set the record straight, offering a raw and unfiltered response to the accusations while shedding light on the broader issues of sexism and body-shaming in the golfing world.

The controversy traces back to Spiranac’s early career, particularly around 2015 when she gained attention after playing in the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic. At the time, her viral trick-shot videos and striking appearance drew both admiration and scrutiny. As she revealed in a March 2025 episode of the “Quiet Please!” podcast, she faced vicious rumors during that tournament, with some claiming she had performed “sexual favors” to secure her invite. “There were constant comments like ‘I did sexual favors to get this invite,’ and they would say it within earshot of me,” Spiranac recounted, describing the experience as one of the “worst moments” of her life. These rumors have resurfaced in recent weeks, fueled by trolls and critics who argue that her success as an influencer—marked by lucrative brand deals with companies like PointsBet and Parsons Xtreme Golf—relies more on her looks than her talent. The narrative that she “sold her body” for fame has persisted, despite her efforts to establish herself as a legitimate voice in golf through her podcast Playing-A-Round and her monthly column in Golf Magazine.

In her latest statement on X, Spiranac didn’t hold back. “I’m done with the lies that I ‘sold my body’ to get here,” she wrote. “I worked my ass off as a junior golfer, earned a scholarship to the University of Arizona, and won All-Mountain West Conference honors at San Diego State. I turned pro, competed on the Cactus Tour, and won against the then-top-ranked amateur in the world. My career shifted because I chose to embrace who I am, not because I sold myself.” She went on to highlight the double standards women face in sports, noting, “Men can be celebrated for their athletic achievements, but women like me get reduced to their appearance. I’m proud of my body, my work ethic, and the community I’ve built. If you can’t handle that, that’s your problem—not mine.” Her post, which included a photo of her on the course in a form-fitting outfit, quickly garnered thousands of likes and supportive comments, though it also drew predictable backlash from detractors.

Spiranac’s journey in golf began with promise. She was a top-20 world junior player, a two-time West Region Player of the Year, and led San Diego State to its first Mountain West Conference Championship in 2015. After turning pro in 2016, she secured a victory on the Cactus Tour, defeating Hannah O’Sullivan in a playoff. However, her attempt to earn an LPGA Tour card in August 2016 fell short, and she retired from professional golf later that year, citing the emotional toll of competitive play. “I equated my score to my self-worth,” she admitted in a 2024 tweet, revealing how the mental strain of golf “beat her up emotionally.” Her pivot to social media came after her viral moment in Dubai, a decision that, while lucrative—she reportedly earns $14,000 per sponsored Instagram post—has kept her in the crosshairs of criticism.

The golfer-turned-influencer has long been a polarizing figure, particularly after the LPGA’s 2017 dress code changes, which banned plunging necklines, leggings, and short skirts. Many viewed the rule as a direct response to Spiranac’s style, despite her never playing on the LPGA Tour. In a Fortune op-ed at the time, she called the policy a step backward, arguing it perpetuated outdated stereotypes about women’s bodies and morality. “In a world where women are continually and unwantedly sexualized, this new rule serves as yet another reason for women to feel ashamed of their bodies,” she wrote. Her stance hasn’t wavered; in a February 2025 interview on 105.3 The Fan Live, she clarified that while she didn’t play on the Tour, her influence has been about empowering women to wear what they want and feel confident in their skin.

Spiranac’s recent comments also touch on a broader cultural issue: the sexualization of women in sports. She’s not alone in facing such criticism—other athletes, like pole vaulters and tennis players, have been allowed more freedom in their attire, while female golfers face stricter scrutiny. The LPGA’s dress code, for instance, disproportionately affects curvier women, as Spiranac noted in 2017, pointing out that a “plunging neckline” ban would penalize fuller-figured players more often. Her advocacy for body positivity has resonated with many, especially young women in golf, who see her as a role model for embracing individuality in a traditionally conservative sport.

Despite the controversies, Spiranac has built a formidable career. Beyond her brand partnerships, she’s appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and is set to feature in the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2. Her influence extends to charitable causes, though she’s faced pushback even there—once being denied the chance to donate golf clubs to a charity because of her image. As she continues to navigate the highs and lows of public life, Spiranac remains unapologetic. Her latest statement is a rallying cry for women in sports to reject shame and claim their space, proving that her impact goes far beyond the fairways.