“I’m a horrible putt-putt player”: When Paige Spiranac made a brutal confession after retiring from golf

Paige Spiranac is a former pro golfer who turned pro in 2015. Her professional golf career was short-lived as she announced her retirement in 2017, citing mental health issues. In an interview last year, she opened up about her putting skills.

After retiring, Spiranac decided to work in the media industry and focused on her brand-building through social media. The former pro golfer has found immense success in the industry and is one of the top social media influencers in golf.

In an interview with the American sports presenter Kay Adams in August 2023, Spiranac talked about her putt-putt game when Kay Adams expressed her desire to play some putt-putt golf with her. Spiranac said ( via "Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams" on YouTube) :

"It's really funny because everyone thinks if you are good at golf, you are good at putt-putt. But it's the exact opposite. I am a horrendous putt-putt player, but I can crush on the golf course. So actually, I think it would be a pretty good match between us," Spiranac replied (1:15 onwards).

Putt-putt golf is miniature golf and is slightly different than usual golf. While the concept of putt-putt golf remains the same as getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible, it is restricted only to putting.

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Paige Spiranac on why she left professional golf

Paige Spiranac at the Creators Classic Event Previews - Source: Getty

Paige Spiranac said she couldn't handle the mental pressure of playing golf and keeping score. She said playing professional golf affected her emotionally as she equated her golf score to her self-worth. Via her X account on April 29th this year, Spiranac wrote:

"I played junior golf, college golf, and a year professionally. After that stretch, I mentally couldn't handle playing golf and especially keeping score. I equated my score to my self-worth. I know it sounds silly, but competitive golf really beat me up emotionally," she wrote.

However, the golf influencer also expressed her rediscovered passion for golf again as she wrote:

"But I've found that passion again! 'I've started tracking my scores and grinding on my game. I'll keep you posted here on my journey!" she added.

The 31-year-old former pro golfer is now the most followed golfing entity, with 4 million followers on Instagram.

Recently, Paige Spiranac competed in the PGA Tour's Creators Classic event, where she finished 9th with a score of +2 in eight holes, while Luke Kwon clinched the victory after a playoff in the inaugural edition of the event.