Paige Spiranac responds to AI accusations over 4th of July pics
July 8, 2022, Stateline, Nevada, U.S: Golf personality/model/influencer, PAIGE SPIRANAC, tees off from the first hole during the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, on Friday, July 8, 2022. Copyright: xTracyxBarbutesx
July 8, 2022, Stateline, Nevada, U.S: Golf personality/model/influencer, PAIGE SPIRANAC, tees off from the first hole during the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, on Friday, July 8, 2022. Copyright: xTracyxBarbutesx
A Fourth of July post from Paige Spiranac sparked a debate over AI-generated content on social media. The former professional golfer found herself at the center of the discussion after sharing a patriotic image that sparked debate across social media.
Spiranac posted an image on her X account of herself in US-flag-themed swimwear in front of a giant US flag with fireworks in the background. A user identified the image as AI-generated and called her out. However, the model denied the claims.
“Not AI. This image was from my 2026 calendar. We shot it in studio, and then a graphic designer made the background,” replied Spiranac to the AI claim.
August 28, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia, USA: Paige Spiranac R and fiance Zach Brantly on the putting range before the 2024 Creator Classic presented by Blackstone at East Lake Golf Club. Atlanta USA - ZUMAw109 20240828_fap_w109_034 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
August 28, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia, USA: Paige Spiranac R and fiance Zach Brantly on the putting range before the 2024 Creator Classic presented by Blackstone at East Lake Golf Club. Atlanta USA - ZUMAw109 20240828_fap_w109_034 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
According to Spiranac, the background was created by a graphic designer, which likely led some viewers to perceive the image as synthetic media.
“Paige you’re better than AI!” the original commenter wrote on the post.
After Spiranac revealed the backstory behind the photo, viewers put a halt to the debate. Even the user who called her out apologized.
“Forgive me!! You look spectacular!!!!” the user replied.
Studio lighting and professional editing, along with the artificially crafted background, raised doubts in the minds of viewers. However, Spiranac’s explanation helped clear them.
Before becoming one of golf’s most closely watched social media personalities, the 33-year-old attempted to secure a spot on the LPGA.
Spiranac’s golf journey
At the start of her career, Spiranac showed huge signs of promise. However, in the end, she failed to live up to expectations.
On Colorado’s junior golf circuit, Spiranac secured five tournament wins. That included the 2010 CWGA Junior Stroke Play. Following that, she kept rising through the ranks.
At one point, Spiranac was a top-20 world junior player and was also named West Region Player of the Year twice. She went on to earn a golf scholarship from the University of Arizona, as reported by GOLF.
In 2016, the American debuted on the Cactus Tour at the Las Colinas Club in Queen Creek, Arizona. Her only win came against Hannah O'Sullivan, then the top-ranked amateur in the world.
Spiranac featured in her first LPGA Qualifying Tournament in August 2016. However, she never earned an LPGA Tour card.
The 33-year-old transitioned to modeling and became a social media influencer soon after. In recent years, she has appeared in events alongside social media golfers.
What are your thoughts on Spiranac’s post? Share them in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav