Golf influencer Paige Spiranac broke down emotionally as she revealed the overwhelming hate messages she received during the recent $1 million Internet Invitational. The intense negativity, which she shared publicly on her Instagram stories, brought to light deep-seated insecurities about social acceptance and fitting in that she has carried throughout her life.
The tournament, hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, drew 48 golf content creators across the globe, with Spiranac standing out as one of the headliners. Her team made it through the opening matches during the first week of the event, giving her a platform to compete for the top prize of $1 million. Spiranac posted multiple Instagram stories where she displayed the hate she received in direct messages, including a vulgar message that read: ‘I f—ing hate you… Go kill yourself, you stupid c—.’
Spiranac, who has gained a significant following on social media, expressed that the hate messages were particularly hard to process. She admitted to struggling with social interactions her entire life, including making friends, understanding social cues, and finding her place in the industry. During the event, she felt a sense of belonging, but the post-tournament reflection triggered a flood of old insecurities, leading to emotional turmoil.
Despite the pain of revisiting those feelings, Spiranac acknowledged that she has always wanted to be liked and to fit in. However, she emphasized that there are more significant matters in life than seeking approval. She concluded with a lighter tone, thanking her supporters for the kind messages they sent her and promising to save her deepest insecurities for therapy. The emotional journey she shared resonated with many, highlighting the challenges of navigating public life in the digital age.