Golf influencer Paige Spiranac was in tears while sharing that it’s “been really hard” to see negative comments about her online during the $1 million Internet Invitational.
In a series of videos on her Instagram Story, Spiranac explained that the recent hate she’s received has brought up “insecurities” from her past.
First, Spiranac posted a screengrab of “my DMs lately,” which included a vulgar message.
“I f–king hate you,” the message read. “You stupid bitch think you’re so much better than everyone at the internet invitational. Go kill yourself you stupid c–t.”
Spiranac then broke down in tears, saying she wants to be liked and fit in with the golf community.
“This hate for some reason has just been really hitting home for me. I struggled socially my entire life… in big groups of people, making friends, keeping friends, relating to other people, reading social cues, saying the right thing at the right time,” Spiranac said.
“… I know it might sound weird considering what I do, but I’m just not effortlessly liked… It’s just hard for me in big groups of people. So at the end of the invitational I was really excited because I felt like I could fit in in the industry…”
The Dave Portnoy-backed Internet Invitational is being viewed by a widespread audience and putting a greater microscope on the 48 golf content creators.
Spiranac’s team advanced past the opening matchups in the first week, leaving her to compete for the $1 million prize with 23 others.
“So it’s just been really hard to see this reaction to being unliked and hated… I know there are more important things in life than wanting to be liked and I want to fit in — and I’ve tried for a lot of my life to find places where I can fit in. And when I was at the Internet invitational I felt really good… It was nice to feel that way,” Spiranac said.
“And then now to watch it back and the deep insecurities of childhood whatever is coming all back and its confirmation that no you’re actually not liked, you’re annoying, and no one likes you — and you suck and you’re terrible and all these things. And it’s just hard because you feel good in that moment.. then it’s like just kidding.”
In another post on Tuesday, Spiranac explained that her “insecurities” got the best of her.
“Hi good morning. Sorry for being emo last night but thank you again for all the super kind messages,” Spiranac wrote. “I’ll save my deep dark insecurities for therapy next time lol.”
Three winners will split the $1 million during the pre-recorded event, which is run by Barstool and Bob Does Sports and will air over the next two weeks.
