Paige Spiranac Opens Up About Her College Crush on PGA Tour Star
Golf influencer and media personality Paige Spiranac recently let fans in on a personal revelation during a new episode of her show, The SPINvitational. Spiranac admitted she once had a college crush on PGA Tour standout Xander Schauffele—but unfortunately for her, he didn’t feel the same way.
Spiranac and Schauffele were both attending San Diego State University (SDSU) at the same time—Spiranac playing on the women’s golf team, and Schauffele on the men’s. Reflecting on that period, the golf star shared candidly:
“I did go to school at SDSU with Xander Schauffele and… I had a crush on him and he wanted nothing to do with me.”
Despite her feelings, it quickly became clear that Schauffele was not interested. In fact, he had already connected with someone else—his future wife, Maya, whom he met during his SDSU years back in 2014. They would go on to marry in 2021. Spiranac acknowledged it was “meant to be” for Schauffele and Maya, while humorously admitting it simply “didn’t work out for me in that way.”
Shattering Rumors: She’s Never Dated Anyone Famous
In the same episode, Spiranac addressed persistent rumors about her dating history. Tabloid headlines have often paired her romantically with high-profile names—such as NFL legend Tom Brady and another PGA star, Bryson DeChambeau. She dismissed these stories, stating emphatically:
“Never been on a date with anyone famous.”
She went on to reveal that although she’s had appearances and collaborations with prominent athletes—some of whom even slid into her direct messages—none of these ever led to actual dates. She expressed frustration over how working in a male-dominated industry, any interaction with a male celebrity instantly sparks dating rumors: “It’s really frustrating because I’ve never dated anyone famous ever, not even close.”
Behind the Confident Public Persona
Paige Spiranac’s polished online presence belies an often-challenging inner world. She confessed to suffering from “severe social anxiety,” explaining that her on-camera persona is, in many ways, an “alter-ego.” Her internet persona is outgoing and bold, but in real life, Spiranac tends to be more shy and reserved. The disconnect between her public image and private experience can be jarring, she admitted—but it’s a dynamic she’s worked hard to manage.
Life Beyond the Crush
Spiranac’s openness didn’t stop there. She also revealed parts of her past, including her former marriage. She was married to athletic trainer Steven Tinoco from 2018 until her announcement in early 2022 that they had separated.
Still, her trajectory since SDSU has been impressive: after a collegiate golfing career where she led the Aztecs to an MW Conference Championship in 2015, she transitioned into media, becoming a top golf influencer. Her brand partnerships span Parsons Xtreme Golf, 18Birdies, and PointsBet, while she continues to build a strong presence across social platforms.
Final Thoughts
Paige Spiranac’s candid admission—her youthful crush on Xander Schauffele, the lack of reciprocation, and the whirlwind of myth about her dating famous athletes—offers a glimpse behind the glamour. She’s demonstrated new levels of vulnerability and honesty through The SPINvitational, reinforcing that her success stems not only from grit and talent, but also from emotional resilience and self-awareness. Whether cheering on friends from her SDSU days or dismantling tabloid rumors, Spiranac remains refreshingly real—online and off.