Instagram fame proving a double-edged sword for Paige Spiranac

‘Instagram sensation’ Paige Spiranac defended her presence at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, after an opening round 77 left her 94th in a 108-strong field.

Spiranac, the 22-year-old former gymnast turned professional in August, has gained more attention for her online presence than her golfing prowess.

She has almost half a million followers on Instagram, while her Youtube trickshot video has been viewed more than two million times.

In July, American website sportsgrid.com called her “the hottest female athlete on earth.”

So when the American received an invitation to make her professional debut at the the Dubai Masters, one of the richest events on the Ladies European Tour, it sparked grumbles the selection was based purely on her looks and fame.

After a tough opening round, Spiranac accepted it will take time to win over her doubters.

“I understand where they are coming from. I mean, I’ve played golf and have had good results, but when you look at my game compared to the top players in the world, I’m not in the same league,” she said.

“But I wish they could see that I’m working as hard as I can. I may make it, I may not make it. But I’m just trying to focus on what I need to do to get to the next level and trying not to focus on what they say.”

Spiranac made no apology for making the most of her online profile: “I’m very grateful to be here because of social media, I wouldn’t be here without it. I never really sought this invite out it just came to me.

“I’m very fortunate that I have all these followers and that they like watching me and seeing what I do.

“So, I think it’s really cool, and it’s given me a gateway to help my professional golf career, and that’s really what I want to do, is just play golf, because I love it so much.

“This is my first tournament and from here I’ll play the first stage of qualifying school when it comes up again. I definitely want to earn my way on to Tour because I need more experience and more rounds under my belt before I do anything else.”

So far, her fellow players haven’t publicly raised objections to Spiranac’s invitation to the event, though England’s Laura Davies, who shot a four-under 68 to lie second, referred to some scepticism at the event.

“I’ve obviously heard what some of the players have said, but I’ve not met her.

“Everyone needs a chance and if she’s a good player, then I think it’s great she’s here.

“But if she’s here for any other reason than she’s a great golfer, then it’s a little bit pointless.”

And later in the day, the scrutiny seemed to be getting to Spiranac, who tweeted: “There was some throwing up and tears. Last night and today were the hardest days of my life to get through.”