Influencer Paige Spiranac insists the WM Phoenix Open is good for golf and expects the Ryder Cup to be even rowdier.
Spiranac is the queen of golf social media with four million Instagram followers – which is more than Tiger Woods.
In 2023, the American model was the second most-Googled name in golf, behind Woods but ahead of every other player in the game.
Spiranac has made a multi-million dollar career out of growing interest to the sport.
Speaking to talkSPORT at Super Bowl LIX‘s famous ‘Radio Row’, we asked whether all interest is good interest.
The PGA Tour rolls into Arizona this week for the return of the WM Phoenix Open – and everything that comes with it.
For one week only, the peaceful world of golf descends into drunken mayhem at TPC Scottsdale, particularly around the world-famous 16th hole.
Last year, officials were forced to shut the gates and stop alcohol sales as the event got out of control.
It is not everyone’s cup of tea – but Spiranac insists the WM Phoenix Open is exactly what golf needs to shift its stuffy reputation.
“It’s morphed into this thing that is uncontrollable at times,” she told talkSPORT.
“The misconception in golf is that it’s boring, it’s stuffy, it’s this elitist sport.
“When the WM rolls around, it’s all about youth and having fun and it’s a really lively atmosphere. Golf is usually about silent claps and not being too loud.
“When players miss the green on 16, they get booed. You don’t do that in golf.
“But it’s one of my favourite events to go to. You don’t want that every week in golf.
“I think it’s fun to have a mix of that and the more conservative events.”
She added: “People don’t even realise there’s golf going on. It’s a massive party. You’ve got Arizona State University and University of Arizona nearby – a bunch of young kids who want to have a good time.
“I know people don’t love that kind of environment. But I think it’s good for the growth of the game.
“Even if they’re going there to throw a couple back, and while they’re there they see some of the best players in the world, experience golf for the first time – that’s growing the game.
“So many people in golf are so negative about everything. And we’re talking about what’s good and bad for the game. Overall, the WM is fantastic for the growth of the game.”
Perhaps the only event in golf that rivals the WM Phoenix Open for boisterousness is the Ryder Cup – which heads to the cauldron of Bethpage Black in New York this summer.
Fears have already been expressed about how hostile that event could get – and Spiranac thinks it could surpass the WM Phoenix Open.
She continued: “I’m interested to see how the next Ryder Cup at Bethpage is going to turn out. It’s going to be very rowdy, perhaps even rowdier than TPC Scottsdale.
“The New York fans – they show up!”