Paige Spiranac, the former professional golfer turned social media influencer, has once again stirred the golfing world with a bold and unconventional proposal to address a persistent issue on the greens: fixing ball marks. Known for her engaging content and unapologetic takes on golf culture, Spiranac has sparked a global conversation with her innovative suggestion, which challenges traditional norms and highlights her unique ability to merge entertainment with advocacy for change in the sport. Her latest idea, shared via a viral post on X on June 21, 2025, has divided fans and players alike, igniting a wildfire of debate that underscores the tension between golf’s storied traditions and the push for modernization.
Spiranac’s proposal comes in response to a longstanding frustration in golf: the failure of players to properly repair ball marks on greens. These small indentations, caused when a golf ball lands heavily, can disrupt putting surfaces and take weeks to heal if left unaddressed. According to a 2024 report, a golf course hosting 100 rounds daily can accumulate over 10,000 ball marks in a month, significantly impacting green quality. Spiranac, never one to shy away from addressing golf’s “pet peeves,” took to X with a blunt statement: “Hot take. If you can’t fix your ball mark on the green you shouldn’t be allowed to play. It takes two seconds to do and requires no skill.” The post, accompanied by a short video demonstrating her technique, quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of likes and retweets.
What sets Spiranac’s proposal apart is not just her call for accountability but her creative approach to teaching proper ball mark repair. In her video, she uses a playful yet effective method to illustrate the process, leveraging her charisma and media savvy to make the lesson accessible. While some praised her for raising awareness about course etiquette, others found her tone provocative, particularly her suggestion that those who fail to fix ball marks should be barred from playing. Critics argue that her stance risks alienating casual golfers, especially beginners who may not yet understand the nuances of course maintenance. Supporters, however, see her as a catalyst for change, applauding her for tackling an issue that affects courses worldwide.
The debate surrounding Spiranac’s proposal reflects broader tensions in golf, a sport often seen as steeped in tradition yet increasingly open to innovation. Her idea has prompted discussions about how to balance accessibility for new players with the preservation of course conditions. Some golf enthusiasts have suggested expanding her proposal to include mandatory etiquette training at clubs or integrating ball mark repair into beginner-friendly course rating systems, an idea Spiranac herself championed earlier in 2025. Others argue that her approach, while attention-grabbing, oversimplifies a complex issue, as not all players are aware of the damage caused by unrepaired marks or have the tools to fix them properly.
Spiranac’s influence in golf extends far beyond her playing days. With over 10 million followers across social media platforms, including 4 million on Instagram and 1 million on X, she has become a leading voice in the sport. Her ability to blend instructional content with entertainment has made her a polarizing yet undeniable force. Her past initiatives, such as proposing a simplified course rating system for beginners and advocating for relaxed dress codes, have similarly sparked debate, cementing her reputation as a disruptor. Her participation in events like the 2024 and 2025 Creator Classics and her role as a course reporter for the PGA Tour further amplify her platform, allowing her to reach both seasoned golfers and newcomers.
The ball mark controversy also highlights Spiranac’s knack for turning mundane topics into viral moments. Her June 2025 video, which some outlets described as using “unconventional” methods to demonstrate repair techniques, drew both admiration and criticism. While some fans appreciated her lighthearted approach, others felt it detracted from the seriousness of the issue. Regardless, her ability to generate buzz has kept the conversation alive, with golf courses and organizations now weighing in on how to better educate players about green maintenance.
As the golfing community continues to grapple with Spiranac’s proposal, it raises larger questions about the sport’s evolution. Is it time to rethink established practices to improve the experience for players and protect courses? Spiranac’s call to action, while divisive, underscores the need for dialogue about etiquette and accessibility in golf. Whether her revolutionary idea gains traction or fades into the background, one thing is clear: Paige Spiranac remains a powerful force, challenging conventions and inspiring change, one viral post at a time.
