A GOLFING beauty dubbed the “hottest female athlete on earth” has defended her right to compete against the top women professionals.
American Paige Spiranac, 22, has become an internet sensation after posting revealing Instagram snaps and videos of herself in hot pants and mini-skirts.
She has almost half a million followers on Instagram and one YouTube video of her peforming trick shots has been viewed more than 1.5million times.
The online interest in Paige, who recently graduated from San Diego State University where she was a top golfer, meant she was controversially invited to play against the world’s biggest stars in Dubai — ahead of other less eye-catching golfers.
Traditionally wannabe professionals have to play their way through the various grades until they reach the top tour, but Paige’s appeal on the web has allowed her to jump the queue.
She didn’t do herself any favours on her debut on the elite women’s tour today however when she finished 13 shots behind the leaders.
Paige went round in 77 in the first round of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in the UAE, 13 shots worse than Liz Young of England and Spain’s Carmen Alonso.
But she rejected claims she did not deserve her place in the field.
She said: “I understand where the critics are coming from. I mean, I’ve played golf and have had good results, but when you look at my game compared to the top players in the world, I’m not in the same league.
“But I wish they could see that I’m working as hard as I can. I may make it, I may not make it. But I’m just trying to focus on what I need to do to get to the next level and trying not to focus on what they say.”
Paige insists she wants to be judged on her golf, rather than just her looks.
“I’m not trying to be a sex symbol,” she said.
“I like to wear makeup, that’s just how I feel good about myself, I like to feel confident because I play better that way . I never understood why you have to be either good at a sport or attractive.”
Golf legend Laura Davies insisted Paige deserves a chance. Davies, 52, who is also playing in Dubai, said: “Everyone needs a chance and if she’s a good player, then I think it’s great she’s her.
“If she’s here for any other reason than she’s a great golfer, then it’s a little bit pointless. But we have to give her a chance.”
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