Paige Spiranac is swinging back at the critics in the latest golf dress code firestorm, firmly defending professional golfer Annabell Fuller after her choice of attire sparked a viral debate. The controversy erupted during the Australian PGA, where the 23-year-old English pro opted for a crop-top on the course.
The look drew immediate fire from traditionalists in social media:
- “Tacky. Classless,” one wrote.
- “There are dress codes for a reason,” one wrote.
- “Wouldn’t see that if rules were being followed,” another shared.
But Spiranac was quick to shut down the negativity. “She looks great, put together and athletic!” Spiranac posted to her followers, a sentiment that quickly garnered hundreds of likes in a show of solidarity for the young pro.
A clash of tradition and modern style
The debate highlights the ongoing tension within golf’s notoriously rigid culture. From the PGA Tour’s recent reprimand of a player for an untucked shirt to the ban on shorts in the men’s professional game, dress code violations remain a “hot topic.”
X (formerly Twitter) personality Rick Golfs, who originally highlighted the outfit, noted the irony of the situation:
I understand I’m probably a hypocrite that I’m okay with this and not shorts or untucked shirts in the men’s game.
Nevertheless, he still praised Fuller’s look as “fire” and highlighted her elite-level swing.
For Fuller, the crop top isn’t a one-off “stunt.” A quick glance at her social media shows a consistent preference for modern, athletic fits that prioritize comfort and performance over 20th-century formalities.
Silencing critics with a career-low round
While the internet argued over her midriff, Fuller was busy dismantling the course. Proving that her “athletic” look was backed by elite talent, she posted a staggering 64 (-7) during “moving day”-the lowest round of her career.
“Felt like things really clicked this week,”Fuller shared with fans. “Especially proud of moving day-usually a grind for me, but a 64… my lowest round ever. Really felt like my game was finally back with me.”
As Fuller continues to build momentum on the international stage, the support from figures like Spiranac suggests that the “verdict” on modern golf attire may be shifting-especially when the player in question is busy topping the leaderboard.
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