Paige Spiranac Cheating Controversy: 7 Key Facts Behind the “Tens of Thousands” Death Threats Claim

Paige Spiranac — the golf influencer with millions of Instagram followers — has broken her silence after being accused of cheating during Barstool Sports’ Internet Invitational. The incident, which centers on Spiranac allegedly pressing down tall grass around her partner’s ball (improving the lie), has escalated into a wider Barstool Internet Invitational cheating controversy and prompted a wave of online harassment. Spiranac says she has received “tens of thousands” of death threats and vile messages since the clip circulated online, calling attention to the darker side of influencer fame and social media outrage.

What happened at the Internet Invitational final match?

During the alternate-shot final round of the $1 million match — featuring teams that included Malosi “Big Mo” Togisala, Frankie Borelli, Brad Dalke, Francis Ellis and Cody “Beef” Franke — video surfaced showing Spiranac patting down grass around her teammate’s ball. Many viewers labeled the action a rules infraction, saying it was an attempt to improve the lie, which is prohibited under golf rules. The footage ignited debate: did Paige Spiranac cheat at The Internet Invitational, or was this an unintentional mistake?

Spiranac’s response and mental-health fallout

Paige Spiranac addressed the controversy on Instagram Story, saying she was “painfully embarrassed” and insisting, “I would never intentionally cheat.” She explained she didn’t realize pressing the grass was a violation, adding that the backlash has been the worst hate she’s faced in her 10 years in the sport. Spiranac says the harassment included threats so severe that she considered taking legal steps, including a restraining order, to protect herself.

Teammates, rules and additional controversy

Frankie Borelli — Spiranac’s teammate — defended her on social channels and on Barstool’s “Fore Play” podcast, arguing the footage doesn’t prove intent. Meanwhile, Malosi Togisala faced separate scrutiny after being accused of using the slope function on his rangefinder. Players were reportedly allowed rangefinders but not the slope feature; Togisala says he turned it off after the first hole once he realized the rule.

Why this became a national story

This is more than a single tournament dispute. Several elements amplified the story:

• The event was hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, attracting big audiences.
• The match had a $1 million prize and featured well-known influencer-players.
• The internet’s appetite for “cheating scandals” and a heightened culture of public shaming escalated reaction.
  These factors turned a contested rule call — pressing grass/improving lie in golf — into an international conversation about rules, fairness, and how quickly online mobs can form.

The human cost: social media hate and death threats

Reports vary (some articles cite “10,000” death threats; others say “tens of thousands”), but Spiranac herself described receiving a flood of messages encouraging self-harm and death. This raises urgent concerns about online harassment of influencers, the impact on mental health, and whether platforms and fans are doing enough to stop abusive behavior.

Golf rules explained (brief)

• Improving the lie: Deliberately altering the ball’s position or the area immediately around it to gain advantage is a rules infraction.
• Rangefinder slope rule: Rangefinders that measure slope/elevation help choose clubs but are often restricted in tournament play. Using slope when prohibited can be considered a violation.

What this means for influencers and tournament organizers

• Tournament rules must be clearly communicated before play begins (e.g., rangefinder slope on/off).
• Organizers should consider stronger security and moderation for livestreams and highlight reels to reduce misinterpretation.
• Influencers should be supported with clear appeals processes and protection against harassment.

FAQ :

Q1: Did Paige Spiranac cheat at the Internet Invitational?
A1: The footage shows Spiranac patting grass near her teammate’s ball, which some viewed as improving the lie. Spiranac denies intentional cheating and says she didn’t realize it was a rule violation.

Q2: How many death threats did Paige Spiranac receive?
A2: Reports vary; Spiranac said she has received “tens of thousands” of death threats, while some outlets reported approximately 10,000. Either way, the harassment was severe.

Q3: What is improving the lie in golf?
A3: Improving the lie refers to altering the ball’s position or the area immediately around it to gain an advantage; it’s typically a rules infraction in tournament play.