The dust has finally settled after internet sensation Paige Spiranac’s professional debut at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters last month with the 22-year-old acknowledging that it’s a big step from college golf to the elite of the European Ladies Tour. The former San Diego State player’s notoriety has rocketed in the last 12 months courtesy of her trick-shot videos on YouTube and her personal Instagram account. She currently has more than 550,000 followers on Instagram and some videos on YouTube have passed 2million views. SHE turned professional in August last year and was invited to play at Emirates Golf Club alongside some of the world’s best players. It proved to be a tough week for the youngster. The spotlight barely shifted from her, and after rounds of 77-79 she missed the cut. Paige had brought worldwide attention to the Dubai Ladies Masters and she’s hoping that more experiences in tournament play can help her realise her dream of making it on the Tour. Worldwide Golf speaks to Paige about her experience and what she learned from playing at her first professional tournament.
Worldwide Golf, the Middle East’s Number 1 Golf Magazine: You have over half a million followers on Instagram and around 64,000 on Twitter – how did those numbers grow to be so high and what is it about social media that makes it good for interacting with fans?
PAIGE: I still don’t know how or why those numbers continue to grow. I post all of the content on my Instagram myself and I actually read the comments. I have been told not to read the comments, but I think that’s the whole point of social media –communicating with other people. I get some great advice from my followers and I value their input.
Worldwide Golf: You talked about how you were going to be extremely nervous on the first tee at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters – talk us through that experience and how you coped with your opening round. Was it as tough as you thought it would be?
PAIGE SPIRANAC: Yes, I was extremely nervous on the first tee. My hands were actually shaking. I had a lot of expectations and I wanted to perform at my best. My caddie helped me so much and I really grew as a player, so in retrospect, it was an invaluable experience.
Worldwide Golf: You’re currently most well known as a social media star – how difficult is it for you to get people talking about you as a golfer first and foremost and a social media star second?
PAIGE SPIRANAC: As I play more tournaments and my game improves people will start to focus on my golf as much as my social media presence. Social media will always be a major part of my golf career because it’s such a great way to interact with the fans.
Worldwide Golf: What are your ambitions within the game?
PAIGE SPIRANAC: To make it to play on the LPGA Tour. From there I want to be competitive week in and week out. I also want to help grow the game of golf, especially among young girls.
Worldwide Golf: What are the strengths in your game and what areas are you working on the most at the moment?
PAIGE SPIRANAC: My short game and my putting are two of my strengths. I need to get more consistent with my driver and ball striking under pressure.
Worldwide Golf: What’s it like working with Callaway?
PAIGE SPIRANAC: The team at Callaway is amazing. Not only are their products the best in the business, but the atmosphere at their headquarters in California is so welcoming. It’s like one big family. I always look forward to working with them because we have so much fun together.
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