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Paige's World: A custom clubfitting showed me the benefits of a mixed bag

Paige Spiranac — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:02:09 +0000

If you’ve never been fit for clubs, your game could seriously be suffering. People tend to stick to out-of-date, poorly fit clubs because they either don’t see the benefit of a fitting or are intimidated by the process. But trust me — it’s worth it! You may not even realize how much your off-the-rack clubs are affecting your game.

If you’re ready to take the leap into a professional clubfitting — or want to get the most out of your next fitting — I have two simple and effective tips for you.

Paige and True Spec's Tim Briand worked together to create the ideal set.

Chris McPherson

First: Don’t be brand-loyal. The numbers don’t lie, so make sure to come in with an open mind when it comes to building your bag. For example, the brand that helps you drive it longer and straighter might not suit you best when it comes to your short game.

Paige's clubfitting experience at True Spec started with dialing in her putter.

Chris McPherson

In the same vein, make sure you’re going to a reputable fitter who carries a wide variety of clubs. After my True Spec fitting (True Spec and GOLF.com are operated by the same holding company, 8AM Golf), I ended up with a mixed bag of no less than six different manufacturers, from my putter, wedges and irons all the way through my hybrids, fairway woods and driver. I’m playing better than ever!

After selecting her putter, Paige moved on to irons.

Chris McPherson

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Paige’s World: Look for mentors everywhere, not just on the podium

Second: Trust your fitter. You may think you know what’s best for you, but the launch monitor could tell a completely different story. Do your best to listen to the fitting professional when it comes to recommendations.

True Spec's Tim Briand discusses different shaft options with Paige.

Chris McPherson

It’s easy to get swayed by advertisements or the latest new gear, but what you think you want could actually rob you of yards and add strokes to your score, based on your personal swing and playing style. Embrace the process and get ready to come out a changed player!

Got a question for Paige? Or need her to boost your swing or style game? Send a note (or pic!) to Paige@golf.com.

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Paige Spiranac Rides Around in Style

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 20:38:26 +0000

Paige Spiranac scooters around the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

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Paige Spiranac Talks Graphite vs. Steel Shafts

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 19:47:52 +0000

Paige Spiranac discusses with the experts if graphite or steel shafts are better suited for your game at the PGA Show’s Demo Day in Orlando.

The post Paige Spiranac Talks Graphite vs. Steel Shafts appeared first on Golf.

Paige's World: Look for mentors everywhere, not just on the podium

Paige Spiranac — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 16:22:27 +0000

We’ve all been told hundreds of times that we “can’t” do certain things. I, for example, am constantly reminded that I can never be a good role model until I win on tour. But what does winning have to do with the ability to positively contribute to the world? Being a “winner” often seems like the only way to earn respect. Whether it’s in sports, entertainment or business, this scenario seems to play out over and over again. Winning eclipses all transgressions — and if you’re not winning, you’re nothing. That’s just not right.

The ability to act as a role model shouldn’t depend on owning a pile of trophies. Instead, we should look at role models as whole people — people who fail but overcome adversity, people who inspire us both on and off the course, people who spend their time trying to make their community a better place.

For me, working with kids is one of my favorite ways to give back, and I refuse to let public opinion about whether I’m a “winner” stop me from being a positive role model and mentor. Likewise, I refuse to spread this common myth of success to younger generations. It’s only when we stop looking exclusively to the podium for our heroes and start looking all around us that we’ll make the greatest progress toward a better tomorrow.

Tips for Getting Kids into Golf

1. Ease off the Pressure.
Don’t impose expectations on performance or playing time. If your kid wants to hang out in the cart for a few holes, no problem. Let him or her decide.

2. Invest in Equipment.
Once you sense interest, keep it going by getting clubs that fit. Clubs that are too long or too heavy make playing unnecessarily frustrating.

3. Make it Fun!
Create games to play on the range or course. Bring silly rewards. And don’t make it about scoring!

4. Put Them First.
Every child thrives on encouragement, but beware of forcing it. I’ve seen too many family relationships crumble because of excessive ambition on the course or the range.

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Here's your chance to win a round of golf with Paige Spiranac (and other prizes too!)

Jessica Marksbury — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 22:26:19 +0000

If you’re still looking for the ultimate holiday gift, social media star and GOLF.com contributor Paige Spiranac just announced an awesome end-of-the-year holiday giveaway on her Instagram account: the chance to play a round of golf with her and a guest of your choice in your hometown, as well as 10 Mizzen + Main dress shirts and an autographed item from Phil Mickelson.
Entering the contest is simple: All you have to do is follow @golf_com, @mizzenandmain, and Paige herself (@_paige.renee) on Instagram, and tag two friends in the comments below her post.

You may also like The Paige Spiranac Makeover: Even small style tweaks can make a big difference

The winner will be randomly selected at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday (Dec. 22) and will be contacted directly through Instagram DM.
Check out the full post below for additional details. Good luck!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrnXTQ5lhSt/

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The Paige Spiranac Makeover: Even small style tweaks can make a big difference

Paige Spiranac — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 01:59:04 +0000

This month, I’m really excited to kick off my new makeover series. Anyone who follows me on Instagram knows that on-course apparel is a big deal for me, and I’m looking forward to helping GOLF’s readers look their best.
Now, of course, a makeover doesn’t always require a total overhaul. Take my first featured “client,” Marc Owen. As you can see from his “before” pic, Marc already looks great. As a busy, 50-year-old electrical contracting company VP, he plays golf about twice a month, and he was looking for comfortable, swing-easy pieces to give his golf look a modern spin.

Marc Owen already looked great (left), but after we modernized his wardrobe with some flattering and comfortable pieces, he looks even better!

I think we nailed it! The all-black ensemble really flatters Marc’s body type, and the printed polo adds flair without going over the top. The final flourish? Matching the color of his shoes to his pants for a classic, streamlined look. Now Marc’s business is electricity both on and off the course.

You may also like Ignore the Haters: GOLF’s new columnist Paige Spiranac will add both style and substance to your game

Marc’s new threads

FootJoy Geometric Heather Jacquard Self Collar Polo, $72
FootJoy Half Zip Jersey Vest, $85
Adidas Ultimate 365 3-Stripes Pant, $80
FootJoy Golf Casual Leather Men’s Golf Shoe, $129.99
All items were purchased at PGA Tour Superstore.
FOR MORE ON PAIGE, VISIT HER GOLF.COM LANDING PAGE

Where I’m traveling: Las Vegas, Nev.

Recently, I visited one of the game’s ultimate bucket-list courses: Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. I’ve played there in a few charity pro-ams over the past few years, but this trip was to tee it up with a donor from my alma mater, San Diego State University. He won a round with me in a fundraising auction, and we had a total blast.

What I’m working on: A sand plan

It may sound counter-intuitive, but one of my favorite things to do during a practice round is to aim for the greenside bunkers instead of the pins. The advantage is twofold: Not only does it make for good target practice (purposely hitting into those bunkers is harder than you think!), it’ll sharpen your sand game, too. I give myself a point for each bunker I hit, and another for an up and down. Ten points in 18 holes is a really good day!

Got a question for Paige?

Or need her to boost your swing or style game? Send a note (or pic!) to paige@golf.com. For more on Paige, click here.

The post The Paige Spiranac Makeover: Even small style tweaks can make a big difference appeared first on Golf.

Ignore the Haters: GOLF's new columnist Paige Spiranac will add both style and substance to your game

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 22:15:30 +0000

Paige Spiranac is bringing her unique perspective, invaluable golf knowledge, and loyal following to GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com.

The post Ignore the Haters: GOLF’s new columnist Paige Spiranac will add both style and substance to your game appeared first on Golf.

GOLF's new columnist Paige Spiranac will add both style and substance to your game

Paige Spiranac — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 21:04:02 +0000

Hello, GOLF readers! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of this great brand. But before we get going on this journey together, I think there are a few things you should know about me.

First of all, I’m not just the Paige who “Stars in the World’s First Bikini Trick Shot” (a clickbait headline if there ever was one). Nor am I just the “Instagram Beauty” who “Crashes, Burns in Pro Debut” (thanks for that one, New York Post). I’m not ashamed of my social media following, my Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot, or the tough time I had in my LPGA debut, but these small facets of my life are easily manipulated by the Internet to get views, and they don’t define me as a person.

What these headlines don’t tell you is that before taking up the game of golf, I was a young girl with horrible asthma and a hair condition that made me nearly bald until I was about 10 — a girl who was bullied incessantly. I started playing golf after a broken knee led me to quit my career as an elite gymnast. It wasn’t long before I became one of the world’s top-ranked amateur players.

Whether it’s how to have more fun, how to get better or where to play, Paige Spiranac has all the answers.

But at some point, golf stopped being fun, and the pressure to perform nearly forced me to quit. I entered college as a top recruit, but I left without achieving most of my goals. On the range and in practice rounds I was shooting lights out, but in competition I fell apart. It was terribly frustrating.

It wasn’t until last year that I figured out the problem: I just don’t love competitive golf. What I love is the game itself. I love being outdoors, practicing, and smelling the freshly cut grass at 6:00 a.m. as the sun rises. But I didn’t love travel, or pressure, or the mean-spiritedness of my competitors.

FOR MORE ON PAIGE, VISIT HER GOLF.COM LANDING PAGE

Turns out, the enjoyment I receive from growing the game through content creation and collaborations, and the work I do with the Cybersmile Foundation around cyberbullying, is leaps and bounds above what I got out of playing competitively. This realization made me fall in love with the game all over again, and I’m excited to share my energy and passion with you. I’ve played at every level, and I’ve also had the opportunity to play alongside the world’s greatest players. My life is golf. My detractors love to tell me I don’t know anything about the game, but it often feels like the only thing I do know.

Through a monthly column in GOLF — which will feature tips, peeks into my life and personally supervised makeovers of lucky (but fashion-challenged) GOLF readers — plus many other contributions to GOLF.com, I want to share the wealth of knowledge I’ve gathered over the years, just as much as I want to hear about your own journey. As we kick off our partnership, I hope you can open your mind and get past the clickbait. I know we can create something special. Together.

Paige Spiranac at Legends Golf & Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Where I’m traveling: Myrtle Beach, S.C.

I recently made a trip to the South Carolina lowcountry as part of my partnership with Play Golf Myrtle Beach. Above and below is Legends Golf Resort. The original plan was to play with some contest winners, but we decided to move the round to next spring to let some facilities recover a bit more from Hurricane Florence. The good news? Most of the courses along the Grand Strand are up and running and in great shape! And the fall season is a wonderful time to visit.

Legends Golf & Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

What I’m working on: Play a range round

I had a big issue with bringing my range game to the course, until I began attaching consequences to every swing. When I visit the range now, I actually “play” a round as I’m emptying the bucket. In my head, I envision certain golf holes, and award myself points (on a scale of 1 to 10) based on how well each shot would have helped on the course, and bonus points for confidence and trust. On this swing (below), I’m picturing a par 3 at Troon North, where I often play and practice. The yellow flag is my target. I remember giving this shot a “9.” Practicing with a purpose works. It’s also a ton more fun.

Turning range time into game time — treating each session like a round of golf — will sharpen your focus and skills.

Got a question for Paige?

Or need her to boost your swing or style game? Send a note (or pic!) to paige@golf.com. For more on Paige, click here.

The post GOLF’s new columnist Paige Spiranac will add both style and substance to your game appeared first on Golf.

PHOTOS: Pro golfers, families celebrate Halloween

Josh Berhow — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:33:55 +0000

You have to give pro golfers and their families credit; they know how to dress up to impress the masses on Halloween.

This year, Michelle Wie joined the Addams family, Justin Thomas took a ride on a dinosaur, Paige Spiranac did her best Farrah Fawcett impersonation and the Donald family dressed as something called the LOL dolls.

Bryson DeChambeau, not to be outdone, dressed up like Rickie Fowler and asked for Fowler’s autograph at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Fowler gave DeChambeau an ‘A’ for effort, but he said he needed to work on his mustache. Fair point.

Check out some of the costumes below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpmXbP0Fvx8/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpXw-3_A-56/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnCYJKhsCK/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfnHrpHLGe/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpc1l7lg29d/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnsajCgXnn/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnskLWl2AQ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnvqJoDiY8/

Happy Halloween from the Snedekers.. I mean Incredibles!! And yes, I’ve been working out.. pic.twitter.com/bcxRnwewQh

— Brandt Snedeker (@BrandtSnedeker) October 31, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnBDpEgb45/

Your move Ryan pic.twitter.com/XO6d5fpNXn

— DeLetty (@GrahamDeLaet) October 28, 2018

😂 @B_DeChambeau dressed up as @RickieFowler.

What a treat. 🎃#HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/TE4Ff90c99

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 31, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpbUdC_gydt/

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A Round With Paige: The Insta star on internet trolls and the messages that make it all worthwhile

Jessica Marksbury — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 21:25:37 +0000

We’re drinking sparkling water today, because you don’t drink alcohol.

No. I just always want to be in control, especially now that I do a ton of events. I want to make sure I’m safe, I know where I’m at, and I’m ready to handle any situation. So I stick to water.

Has the decision to abstain from alcohol changed your life in any tangible way?

Yeah. It’s saved a lot of money. [Laughs] A lot of bad decisions were not made. A lot of junk food has not been consumed. But I still like to go out and have a good time. I’ll have a beer here and there. I just hate the feeling of being drunk, the feeling the next morning. So it’s just a personal decision.

You’ve become one of the most recognizable names in golf, with 1.5 million Instagram followers—and counting! Do you ever marvel at your own star power?

It’s so bizarre. I literally post swing videos. Like, how is that interesting? But I’ve created such a following, and they’re loyal fans. It’s really cool to create a community around something I love, and that they love, too.

Do you remember the moment you realized you were kind of a big deal on Instagram?

No, because I have people telling me every day that I’m not, that I don’t deserve my followers. People say I haven’t accomplished anything, but I feel like I’ve done a lot. I’m an ambassador for the Cybersmile Foundation, which is an anti-bullying organization. I go out to a ton of schools, and I speak about cyberbullying, as well as introduce [the kids] to golf. I’m really trying to do everything I can to bring golf to people who have never done it before, as well as just make golf fun and cool.

Paige Spiranac enjoys a round of sparkling water with Jessica Marksbury at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

A lot of people with large social followings ignore the trolls, but you choose to engage with them. Why?

Because social media is my business now. I’m a content creator, so I like to read the comments, and I like to engage, because if people aren’t interested in what I’m doing, then I’m not doing a good job. It’s
also created this new platform for me to speak about women’s issues and cyberbullying and things that are important to me.

What’s the most positive thing that’s come out of all the openness on your part?

I get messages every day from young girls, or from the fathers of young girls, or boyfriends or husbands, saying, “Thank you for speaking up about these issues.” I had a dad say that his daughter was close to suicide, but that she heard my talk in Dubai, and how emotional I was, and it changed her life. So you hear that and you’re like, “Okay, that makes it worth it.”

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

That’s hard, because my whole career has been something completely unexpected. A year ago, I might have said that I’d want to be on tour. But now, I think I just want to be taken seriously as a golf influencer and ambassador of the game, and I want to be seen as someone who is helping, and not as someone who’s just looking for attention.

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