Paige Spiranac’s Journey from Critic to Admirer: Her Surprising Shift on Bryson DeChambeau

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In 2020, Paige Spiranac’s opinion of Bryson DeChambeau wasn’t exactly glowing. “He’s kind of crossed that line from being different to just being a d–k,” she said, harshly critiquing the golfer’s sometimes polarizing behavior on the course. Fast forward four years, and Spiranac has a new perspective, calling DeChambeau “absolutely electric on the golf course” after witnessing his growth and skill. Their unlikely camaraderie shows just how far they both have come, with DeChambeau now a respected influence in her eyes.

Spiranac’s shift in perception wasn’t spontaneous. In a recent Instagram Q&A, Spiranac shared that DeChambeau now ranks high on her list of creators. “On the men’s side, I have to go with Bryson DeChambeau. He really has emerged as a star in social media… playing at the highest level and also a top-tier creator,” she said. Spiranac appreciates DeChambeau’s ability to teach in an entertaining way, admitting that she consumes a lot of his content, which she finds both “shot well” and “fun.”

Earlier this year, Spiranac collaborated with DeChambeau on his social media channel, marking a new chapter in their relationship. Reflecting on the collaboration, she tweeted, “I’ve publicly trolled him in the past, but in person he was nothing but kind, funny, and self-deprecating. Total opposite from how I perceived him over the years.” This marked a change from her earlier criticisms, including a moment in 2020 when she publicly disapproved of his conduct with officials at the Memorial Tournament, labeling his behavior “annoying” and “disingenuous.”

At that time, DeChambeau’s reaction to a ruling at the Memorial was in the spotlight after he challenged an out-of-bounds call. The frustration led him to call for a second ruling, ultimately resulting in a missed cut with a final score of 10. Spiranac expressed her disappointment, saying, “It’s been really hard to be a Bryson fan,” as she questioned his attitude on the course.

Since then, however, DeChambeau’s evolution as a golfer and his proactive engagement with fans have shifted Spiranac’s view entirely. DeChambeau’s social media presence, combined with fan interactions like letting supporters hold his U.S. Open trophy, has earned him the nickname “People’s Champion.” His willingness to connect with fans has impressed Spiranac, who, as an influencer herself, understands the value of genuine interaction with an audience. “As a personality, he’s really leaned into social media and connected with his audience on a deeper level,” she noted, adding that this quality sets him apart from many others in professional golf.

As for the dating rumors between the two, Spiranac swiftly dismissed them, confirming their relationship is rooted solely in mutual respect and admiration. Their unlikely friendship exemplifies how perspectives can evolve over time turning one-time critics into admirers.