Golfer Paige Spiranac, an "Internet sensation with her provocative social media videos and photos," is on the cover of the May issue of Golf Digest, a move that "didn't go unnoticed" by LPGA members, according to Randall Mell of GOLFCHANNEL.com. Spiranac, who has yet to play in an LPGA event, is the "featured model in Golf Digest's package on 'Futurists.'" However, Golf HOFer Juli Inkster noticed "who wasn't on the cover." She said, "Look at what Lydia Ko’s doing, and why isn’t she on the cover? ... I know that stuff sells, and they are in the business of selling magazines, but I think people could learn more in an article about Lydia. It’s kind of where our society is right now. I don’t agree with it, but it’s their magazine and they can do what they want." Ko, the top-ranked women's golfer, has "yet to be featured on a Golf Digest cover." This is not the first time Golf Digest has garnered controversy with a female cover subject. Lexi Thompson appeared on last May's cover with only a "towel provocatively draped around her neck" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 4/20). In DC, Des Bieler notes when Michelle Wie was on the October '14 Golf Digest cover, she was the "first LPGA pro so honored since Lorena Ochoa in 2008." Three other women appeared on the magazine's cover during those six years -- golf TV personality Holly Sonders and models Kate Upton and Paulina Gretzky, whose appearance caused its own dust-up (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 4/22).
HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED? ESPN's Jackie MacMullan said people know why Spiranac "was on the cover and why the No. 1 player in the world wasn't on the cover -- because they're trying to sell more magazine." ESPN's Kate Fagan said "I can't throw Paige that much hate when this is the game you have to play. This is how you get recognized in women's sports, and it's something we're all trying to change." ESPN's Jemele Hill: "I'm not against female athletes promoting and embracing their sexuality. The problem is she's not accomplished enough." ESPN's Sarah Spain: "I don't give many props to Golf Digest but I'll give them props on finding a way to make it seem like it made sense to have this total nobody on their cover. 'She's the next big thing!' How innovative! She takes her clothes off on Instagram. Way to go, Golf Digest" ("Around The Horn," ESPN, 4/21).
