Internet Invitational Returns with Greater Stakes
The Internet Invitational is making a comeback, and this time, the prize pool is significantly larger. Also, one of last year’s standout players is set to return.
Paige Spiranac, the former pro golfer now recognized as an influencer, participated in last year’s golf tournament organized by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports.
Her team advanced to the final, but they fell short at the 18th hole.
Interestingly, there were whispers about some questionable actions by Spiranac’s team in that final round.
At one point, she was accused of cheating during the event. After one teammate’s ball landed in the rough, Spiranac was seen on camera seemingly smoothing out the grass in front of it.
Many observers cited Rule #8, which mandates that golfers must play the course as they find it without making alterations.
Spiranac later admitted that the action was a mistake but claimed it wasn’t deliberate.
In her Instagram Story at the time, she expressed, “I’m really embarrassed I didn’t know about this rule. I don’t cheat intentionally. In all my time playing golf, I’ve never been accused of cheating. Given how many cameras were on me, it’s just absurd to think someone would cheat so blatantly.” She concluded, “I made an error, I know now it was against the rules, and it won’t happen again.”
Following the tournament, she decided to take a two-week break from social media due to intense online harassment.
“The past week and a half was probably the worst backlash I’ve faced in my ten years in this field,” she shared. “I received tens of thousands of death threats and messages urging me to take my own life. It was truly horrifying and led me to consider getting a restraining order. That’s serious stuff.”
Nevertheless, Spiranac is back for this year’s tournament, which boasts an astonishing increase in prize money from $1 million to $4 million.
While details about the date and venue are still under wraps, the tournament is expected to maintain its format with 48 participants.
