Paige Spiranac shares her updated handicap, says she is ‘proud’
“Paige Spiranac’s Journey: A Powerful Comeback, a +3.9 Handicap, and a Love Reignited for Golf”
Paige Spiranac, a name that rings familiar both in the world of golf and on social media, recently gave fans a rare insight into her personal journey. On October 27, she shared her handicap, revealing it to be an impressive +3.9, a testament to her skills and determination. This number, though, carries more weight than it might appear at first glance, as it marks her first full year of consistently maintaining a handicap in years. In a heartfelt message to her millions of followers, Spiranac opened up about her journey, her challenges, and her pride in her progress as she found her way back to the sport she once walked away from.
Reflecting on her transition from competitive golfer to social media sensation, Spiranac didn’t hold back. Her words came across as genuine, a look into her past struggles and the complexity of her relationship with golf. “This has been my first full year keeping my handicap in years,” she wrote in a moving Instagram post. “After I stopped playing competitive golf, I had no interest in practicing or keeping my score. I had a very complicated relationship with tournament golf because my score determined my self-worth. It was unhealthy and took years to overcome.” For Spiranac, this journey was less about numbers on a scorecard and more about rediscovering a love for the game without the harsh pressure that once drove her away.
The revelation marks a significant milestone for Spiranac, who retired from professional golf after a brief stint that started in 2015 and ended just a year later in 2016. At the time, she was only 23, but her decision to step away came after she struggled to secure an LPGA Tour card. While her time in professional tournaments was limited, she still managed to make an impact, particularly with a win on the Cactus Tour against then-World No. 1 amateur Hannah O’Sullivan. However, this accomplishment came with the pressures and expectations that ultimately led her to turn away from competitive play. Despite her evident talent, Spiranac found herself overwhelmed by the toll tournament life took on her mental and emotional well-being.
Leaving professional golf, however, wasn’t the end of Spiranac’s journey with the sport. Instead, she found a new path as a content creator and social media influencer, where she could share her passion for golf without the stringent demands of the professional circuit. With a social media following that now exceeds four million on Instagram alone, Spiranac’s unique blend of authenticity and charisma has resonated with fans globally. In 2022, she was even named Maxim’s “Sexiest Woman of the Year,” cementing her place as a leading figure in pop culture. This career shift has allowed Spiranac to stay connected to golf while inspiring others, all on her own terms.
Beyond her main Instagram account, Spiranac has created a separate page, “Paigeonthecourse,” dedicated solely to her golf journey, where she documents her experiences, shares practice insights, and offers fans a closer look at her life on the course. Her recent updates, including those on her handicap, have showcased a woman embracing golf once more, not as a professional duty but as a personal passion.
Spiranac’s return to golf isn’t just online, either. Recently, she made headlines for playing at some prestigious golf courses. She played rounds at Kinloch Golf Club, known for its 7,373-yard, par-72 layout, and Caves Valley Golf Club, a par-71, 7,226-yard course that has hosted high-profile events like the BMW Championship. At Kinloch, Spiranac posted a notable score of 69, followed by a 74 at Caves Valley. These outings showcase her enduring skill, proving that her time away from competitive play has not diminished her game.
In August, she also participated in a unique event, the Creators Classic, a tournament that brought together prominent golf influencers and content creators. Competing among her peers, Spiranac finished two over par after eight holes, missing the playoff cutline by just four strokes. While her results in this event were a step away from traditional competitive scoring, her presence highlighted her ability to bridge the worlds of sports and media, drawing in audiences who might not otherwise follow the game.
At 31, Paige Spiranac stands as a figure of transformation and resilience. Her story is one of reinvention, of finding joy in a sport that once felt like a burden. For fans, her openness about her journey to rekindle her passion serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of self-acceptance and the importance of reclaiming one’s passion on one’s own terms. Her +3.9 handicap might represent a number on paper, but for Spiranac, it embodies years of growth, healing, and a newfound love for the game that, once again, has her swinging with pride.
