Criticism is nothing new for golf up-and-comer Paige Spiranac, but even the most thick-skinned of social media stars reach their breaking point.
While speaking to reporters ahead her appearance in this week’s Dubai Ladies Masters, Spiranac gave an emotional response when asked about the backlash she faced following her disappointing debut on the Ladies European Tour last year.
“They attack not only me, but my parents, my family, my friends, and you know, they say I’m a disgrace to golf…,” Spiranac said, fighting back tears. “It’s really hard, and I still get those comments and I still deal with it every day.
“It’s important for people to see how much it does affect me, and the things they call me.”
Spiranac missed the cut by shooting a dismal 12-over in the first two rounds of the tournament last year.
“I struggled with a lot of depression after it, because as a 22-year-old [in 2015], you feel like you’re not worth anything, you feel worthless and no matter what do you, it’s never going to be enough,” Spiranac said.
“To have these people say I’m not a good golfer, I’m not a good person, I’m promiscuous or make these judgments about me that aren’t true, it’s really hard.”
Spiranac presented her personal battle with online bullying in the larger conversation about its devastating — potentially deadly — effects.
“Teenage suicide rates are up right now, and they think it’s because of cyber-bullying,” Spiranac said. “It doesn’t matter how I play this week, it really doesn’t. But the fact that I’m here and I’m sharing my story hopefully can save someone’s life. I think that’s so much more important than if I make the cut or miss the cut.”
The Ladies Masters in Dubai tees off on Wednesday.
