Paige Spiranac, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in golf and a social media sensation, has once again captured headlines with candid revelations about her personal life. The 32-year-old former professional golfer, dubbed the “sexiest golfer on the planet” by Maxim in 2022, recently shared that she remains single and has faced her fair share of romantic rejections. Despite her massive online following—boasting over 4 million Instagram followers and a thriving YouTube channel—Spiranac’s journey in love has been far from smooth, offering a glimpse into the challenges of dating in the public eye.
Spiranac’s rise to fame began with her golfing career, where she played Division 1 college golf at the University of Arizona and San Diego State University, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors and leading the Aztecs to a championship in 2015. However, after a brief stint as a professional golfer, she retired in 2016, pivoting to a media career that capitalized on her charisma and golfing expertise. Her trick-shot videos and engaging content quickly made her a social media powerhouse, but this fame has come with its own set of complications, particularly in her romantic life.
In a recent episode of her podcast, Playing A Round with Paige Renee, Spiranac opened up about her struggles with dating, revealing that her high-profile status often complicates relationships. “I’m single, and it’s not by choice,” she said, explaining that many men she has encountered seem more interested in her fame or golfing connections than in building a genuine relationship. She recounted instances where potential suitors used her for free golf lessons or equipment, a pattern that left her disillusioned. “I thought sharing my passion for golf would help me connect, but unfortunately, some guys saw it as an opportunity to get something out of me,” she shared.
Spiranac’s dating history has been a topic of fascination for her fans. She was previously married to athletic trainer Steven Tinoco, whom she wed in 2018 after getting engaged in 2016. The couple parted ways in 2022, with Spiranac confirming the divorce during an Instagram Q&A. “I was married, but I’m no longer married,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to keep her personal life private. She explained that public relationships invite scrutiny, forcing her to address breakups and personal matters she’d rather keep to herself. “Once you make a relationship public, everyone feels entitled to ask questions, and it’s hard to maintain boundaries,” she noted.
Adding to her challenges, Spiranac has faced rejection from men she was interested in, including some well-known figures in the golfing world. On her podcast, she lightheartedly recalled having a crush on PGA Tour star Xander Schauffele during their time at San Diego State University. “I had a crush on him, and he wanted nothing to do with me,” she admitted with a laugh, noting that Schauffele met his wife, Maya, at the same university, proving it “was meant to be.” She also shared a story from her junior golf days, where she flirted with pro golfer Justin Thomas, only to be turned down. “I’ve been mending a broken heart since then,” she quipped, showcasing her ability to handle rejection with humor.
Beyond romantic setbacks, Spiranac has faced significant hurdles due to her public image. She has been vocal about the hypocrisy in golf, particularly after being rejected by a charity event for her “inappropriate” appearance, specifically her cleavage. “I wanted to give back to kids who don’t have much, but I was told I couldn’t help because of how I’m viewed,” she said, highlighting the sport’s elitist culture. Additionally, Spiranac has endured cyberbullying, death threats, and a traumatic incident involving a leaked nude photo, which left her in constant fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, she has reclaimed her narrative, notably through a bold photoshoot with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, where she felt empowered by taking control of her image.
Spiranac’s openness about her struggles resonates with her audience, many of whom admire her resilience and authenticity. While she remains single, she hasn’t given up on love, expressing hope that she’ll find the right partner one day. “I believe in soulmates,” she said, adding that she’s open to remarrying if the connection is genuine. For now, Spiranac continues to focus on her career, from brand partnerships with companies like Parsons Xtreme Golf to her advocacy against cyberbullying through her work with Cybersmile. Her story is a testament to navigating fame, rejection, and personal growth while staying true to herself, proving that even the “sexiest golfer on the planet” faces the same human struggles as everyone else.
