Paige Spiranac has recently found herself at the center of controversy following a golf tournament where she received numerous death threats. The event, known as the Internet Invitational, featured a field of influencers and was organized by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports.
Internet Invitational Overview
The tournament included 48 participants, with Spiranac competing alongside Frankie Borrelli from Barstool and Malosi Togisala from Good Good Golf. They faced off against Brad Dalke and Cody Franke, also from Good Good, and Francis Ellis of Barstool.
Contentious Finale
The final match concluded dramatically, with Spiranac’s team losing the $1 million prize on the last hole. Viewers criticized the players after both Spiranac and Togisala were linked to cheating allegations, which intensified the backlash.
Cheating Allegations and Response
- Spiranac was filmed improving her lie during the match, claiming she misunderstood the rules.
- Togisala faced speculations for improperly using a feature on his rangefinder.
Spiranac expressed her regret, saying she was “painfully embarrassed” by the incident. She clarified that she did not intend to cheat and highlighted the scrutiny of being filmed throughout the match.
Public Backlash
Following the tournament, Spiranac faced an overwhelming wave of negativity. In her own words, she stated that she received “tens of thousands of death threats.” This response has been one of the most intense periods of criticism she has experienced in her decade-long career.
Mental Health Struggles
In light of the harassment, Spiranac took a step back from social media for her mental health. She explained, “I just needed to remove myself for my mental health.” Spiranac emphasized the emotional toll of seeking acceptance and disliking negative attention.
Looking Forward
Despite the turmoil, Spiranac remains committed to learning from her mistakes. She acknowledged her lack of knowledge regarding the improvement of lies and reiterated that she would never cheat intentionally. As she processes this challenging time, she is focusing on her support system and finding ways to cope.
The Internet Invitational, filmed over the summer at Cedar Lodge Resort in Ridgedale, Missouri, has sparked significant discussion in the golfing community. As Spiranac navigates the aftermath, the incident has drawn a spotlight on ethics in golf and the pressures faced by public figures.
