Golf’s biggest social media celebrity Paige Spiranac (@_paige.renee) will return to Dubai in a new role, behind the microphone, that could amplify the energy of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to a whole new level.
The 24-year-old American has been appointed a new Official Starter of the longest-running European Tour event, aptly tag-lined ‘Made for Greatness’, in recognition of her growing global influence in the game of golf.
The college golf standout at San Diego State, Spiranac is no stranger to Dubai, having competed in the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic in 2015 and 2016, but it will be the first time she will assume the podium on the first tee, hoping to leave behind a collection of happy memories to savour.
Not afraid to experiment and try out different things in life, the breakthrough professional golf competitor and personality is herself excited about her new role as the ‘voice of the tournament’ that will sure to resonate with her millions of followers on social media platforms and beyond.
“I am absolutely delighted and feel privileged to have been offered this interesting role by the promoters. Meeting and interacting with many of the greats of the game on the first tee will be just awesome. I just can’t wait to get started,” said Spiranac.
“It will be my first time in a role like this and I’m excited about this opportunity. As the field attracts players from so many different countries, getting the pronunciation of their names right will also be challenging and fun.
“Playing in Dubai in the last two years was a great learning curve for me both inside and outside the ropes. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I am looking forward to being a part of the Dubai family again,” said Spiranac, who became a social media phenomenon when her golf team at San Diego State created a trick-shot video that got millions of views.
The golf influencer, who has more social media followers than any LPGA Tour professional, helped to guide her San Diego University to victory in the 2015 Mountain West Conference Golf Championship and won the Colorado State Match Play Tournament.
Spiranac made the cut at the 2016 Ladies Scottish Open at Dundonald Links and went on to capture her first professional victory on the Cactus Tour later in the year.
Just because I’m ambassador for anti bullying doesn’t me I can’t stand up for myself and have a voice.
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) October 10, 2017
David Spencer, the tournament director and advisor of Golf in Dubai, the promoters and organisers of the event, said: “Paige belongs to a new breed of golfers who are fun-loving and pro-active on social media, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to the course.
“I think it’s great for the game to open up to social media savvy platforms in whatever capacity it can to attract new talent and a wider audience. Paige is an interesting character, one who lends her celebrity status to a number of charity events. She’s got a heart of gold.
“We look forward to welcoming her at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in January and hope her presence will draw a huge gallery to the first tee, pretty much setting in stone her relationship with the city. I think we have some exciting times ahead of us.”
The Omega Dubai Desert Classic, now in its 29th year, will get under way at Emirates Golf Club from January 25 to 28.
