Paige Spiranac cops social media backlash after challenging professional debut

Paige Spiranac’s Ladies European Tour debut was not as picturesque as her Instagram feed.

Lying just outside the top 30 after her opening 72, the former Curtis Cup player dropped three shots in the first four holes, ralled with a couple of birdies early on her back nine before stumbling to two bogeys in three holes.

At five-over, Spiranac ended the day in a tie for 94th in the 108-strong named field with some notable names below her. Spiranac is under no illusion why she is in the event, but is unashamed in using her growing fame to help her reach her ambitions.

“So I guess today was pretty good compared to how bad I thought it was going to go last night”, she told reporters.

Instagram star Paige Spiranac has defended her invite to play in the Ladies Masters in Dubai, saying it’s not down to her looks.

“I understand where they are coming from”, Spiranac said after her first round. “I’ve been practising the 12 foot putts and it’s just the feeling of the ball going in the hole, working on your stroke, because it’s been so windy and cold at home in England”. “I have done well so far and will just keep trying do the same things again”.

Spiranac desperately wanted her game to be recognised through the tournament, which was her first start in a professional event in what is also her first trip outside the United States. Players get paid based on how well they play, and it’s the best players who earn a spot in the U.S. Open, not the ones some coach likes the best.

“I never really sought this invite out – it just came to me”.

Four-time LPGA major championship victor Laura Davies said she has heard rumblings from within the dressing room about Spiranac’s presence, but is content to give the debutant time to find her feet on the pro tour.

She added: “I don’t think I’m at full power, especially with the driver”.

“I am really relaxed”, said Feng, who is targeting a record third title in Dubai following her success in 2014 and 2012. However, Madsen needs to finish inside the top-two in the tournament to stand any chance of overtaking her compatriot.