Paige Spiranac delves into her troubled history of mental illness to help the next generation of golfers

A double-edged sword. That’s how most perfectionists would define the bane of their existence. Paige Spiranac knows the cost of being a perfectionist; the harsh impact it can have on the mental health of young people with big dreams. Having dealt with bouts of depression and anxiety in the past, the golf beauty has another dream: to help the next generation of golfers break free from the pain of her own past.

“I was very depressed and suffered from anxiety.” “I was always thinking about what it would be like to be a professional golfer,” Spiranac said, reflecting on her youth. In a recent conversation, the pro golfer-turned-social media influencer sought to foster a healthier mindset in aspiring young people as they pursued excellence.

From her experiential learning, she learned some important lessons. First, stop striving for the perfect swing and start playing. Spiranac urged her audience of young golf aficionados to break free from the chains of perfectionism and shift their mindset to one that focuses on learning how to compete and conditioning themselves to make the game fun. Her gymnastics and sports-oriented background had led her into a mental prison, where hours of practice robbed her of her natural athleticism and limited her movement. She doesn’t want that to happen to the next generation of professional golfers.

Additionally, she advised young people to understand that failure is a part of golf. Although it can be frustrating, Spiranac believes young people need to understand that consistency is key in a game like golf. She also advised them to build a support system to help them get through any lows, something she lacked as a homeschooled girl with no social life throughout her junior golf years. As Spiranac continues to work to make a change, her “Love-hate relationship with golf” like?

A deep dive into Spiranac’s personal struggles with the sport

Golf is not the only sport with which Spiranac has had a tumultuous relationship. Even her days as a gymnast were not easy. Regarding the mental struggles of being a professional athlete, Spiranac once said:I don’t feel like competing…Eliminate the stress and pressure that comes with competition.”

The 31-year-old Spiranac previously admitted to playing more relaxed practice rounds than actual matches. She shot a respectable 67 in the practice round, but her mental struggles led her to finish with an 83 in the actual match. These were the main reasons she retired and embraced life as an influencer. Having been through hell herself, Spiranac is now trying to make a change so that young dreamers like her can have a more optimistic view of golf.

What do you think about Paige Spiranac’s advice for young golfers? Let me know in the comments below!