Paige Spiranac Opens Up About Her Personal Life About The College Crush On PGA Tour Star That Made Her Say ‘I Don’t Want Anything To Do With Me’
Paige Spiranac, the former professional golfer turned social media sensation, has long captivated audiences with her charisma, golfing insights, and bold online presence. With over 4 million Instagram followers and a growing media empire, Spiranac has become a household name in the sports and influencer world. However, despite her confident public persona, she recently shared a rare glimpse into her personal life, revealing a candid story about an unrequited college crush on PGA Tour star Xander Schauffele. This heartfelt confession, made during a recent episode of her show “The SPINvitational” on Kick.com, has sparked widespread interest, offering fans a deeper look into the woman behind the glamorous image.
Spiranac, now 32, recounted her time at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she and Schauffele were both members of the golf team. During the live broadcast, she admitted to having a major crush on the now two-time major winner, saying, “I did go to school at SDSU with Xander Schauffele, and another fun fact is I had a crush on him, and he wanted nothing to do with me.” Her lighthearted delivery didn’t mask the sting of rejection she felt at the time, but she quickly added a positive note, acknowledging that Schauffele met his wife, Maya, at SDSU in 2014. The couple married in 2021, and Spiranac graciously remarked, “It was meant to be. Didn’t work out for me in that way.” This moment of vulnerability resonated with fans, highlighting her relatability despite her larger-than-life online persona.
The influencer’s openness extended beyond her college days as she addressed misconceptions about her dating life. Spiranac, who has been linked to high-profile athletes like NFL legend Tom Brady and LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau, firmly denied ever dating a celebrity. “I’ve never been on a date with anyone famous,” she clarified, dispelling rumors that often arise when she collaborates with male athletes. She explained how working in a male-dominated industry like golf leads to speculation, with headlines falsely claiming romantic ties whenever she shoots content with figures like DeChambeau. “It’s really frustrating because I’ve never dated anyone famous ever, not even close,” she said, emphasizing the challenges of navigating her career under such scrutiny.
Spiranac’s personal life has often been a topic of intrigue, partly because she keeps it relatively private. She was previously married to athletic trainer Steven Tinoco, whom she wed in 2018. The couple parted ways, with Spiranac confirming in a 2022 Instagram Q&A that she was “no longer married.” While the timeline of their split remains unclear, she has since been linked to investment banker Zach Brantly, with whom she appeared publicly at the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch party. However, Spiranac has chosen to keep details of her current relationship status under wraps, noting that public relationships are “very difficult.” Her decision to maintain privacy reflects her desire to control the narrative around her life, especially in an era where social media amplifies speculation.
Beyond her romantic past, Spiranac shared insights into the contrast between her online persona and her real-life self. Known for her sultry posts and confident demeanor, she admitted to struggling with severe social anxiety. “I’m very much the opposite of the person I am online,” she revealed, describing her online presence as an “alter-ego” that allows her to project confidence. This admission sheds light on the pressures she faces as a public figure, balancing authenticity with the expectations of her millions of followers. Her willingness to discuss such personal challenges has endeared her to fans, who appreciate her honesty about the complexities of life in the spotlight.
Spiranac’s journey from a collegiate golfer to a global influencer is marked by resilience. After a successful college career at the University of Arizona and SDSU, where she earned All-Mountain West Conference honors and led the Aztecs to a championship in 2015, she briefly competed professionally on the Cactus Tour, securing a win in 2016. However, her attempt to earn an LPGA Tour card was unsuccessful, leading her to pivot to content creation and golf instruction. Today, she is a prominent figure in the sport, collaborating with brands like PointsBet and Parsons Xtreme Golf, and serving as an on-course analyst for events like the PGA Tour’s Creator Classic.
Her recent role in the Grass League’s front office, announced in May 2025, marks a new chapter in her career, focusing on brand development and fan engagement. Spiranac’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her passion for golf has solidified her status as a trailblazer. Her candid revelations about her college crush and dating rumors not only humanize her but also underscore her commitment to authenticity. As she continues to navigate fame, Spiranac remains a powerful voice in golf, proving that vulnerability and strength can coexist, both on and off the course.
