Paige Spiranac Finds ‘Dominating’ Rory McIlroy’s Divorce a Key to PGA Championship Success Over Scottie Scheffler

“I’m done picking Rory because it always burns me in the end.” – divulged a mildly frustrated Paige Spiranac last year about Rory McIlroy when talking about the probable picks for the 2023 PGA Championship. The reason? Well, her previous support for the Northern Irishman had, more often than not, ended in disappointment. But come the 2024 edition of the major, Spiranac has let go of her belief against picking the athlete.

The 31-year-old shared a tweet on her X handle dishing out the “PGA Championship favorites” as per the odds. As she shared the video, Spiranac made sure to dub McIlroy as her “favorite” pick for the major all the while hinting at his divorce to be a driving force behind this claim.

Paige Spiranac selects Rory McIlroy as her top pick

The model was spotted doubling down on the top picks for the upcoming major tournament, including the likes of Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Brooks Koepka, and Xander Schauffele along with the 35-year-old. However, the golf queen was more keen on the 4-time major winner lifting the cup over the other three including the current No. 1 on the OWGR as she was visibly understanding of the professional’s odds; “Everyone seems to have their money on Rory McIlroy at +600 and I can see why.”

Spiranac then went ahead to recount the golfer’s recent performances in the video. She said, “He seems to have his swagger back after a dominating performance last week,” while alluding to his victory at the Wells Fargo Championship where he scored a scintillating 17-under 267. The influencer didn’t stop there. She also went ahead to dish out praises for McIlroy while mentioning, “When Rory has confidence and a little pep in his step, there is no one who is more fun to watch play golf than him.”

The ravishing American also didn’t shy away from talking about the athlete’s divorce he filed on Monday from his wife Erica Stoll, while revealing the general consensus on how it might affect his gameplay; “Half of the people are saying he is free, and ready to go win and play a course he loves like Valhalla and the other half is saying, that could put a lot of pressure on him.” But, Spiranac herself was not doubtful of Rory McIlroy’s chances as she expressed her belief in the professional; “I think that Rory plays well when he has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and he is my favorite for this week.” This is not surprising when he himself had divulged the need for a “chip on his shoulder” and feel “little more cocky,… arrogant on the golf course” to display his best.

It appears the 2022 Maxim Sexiest Queen has made a pick for herself for the upcoming event. She did so for a major tournament no less and that too, by going against her former self’s proclamation of not picking McIlroy for the same. But even so, she had not shied away from choosing him for the non-majors back in 2023.

Spiranac’s love-and-hate relationship with McIlroy

Back when the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open was just hours away from kicking off in North Berwick, the 31-year-old diva picked the 4-time major champ as one of her favorites to win the event. “I said I would never pick him again for a major after he has broken my heart one too many times,” said Spiranac before adding, “So why not pick him for the Scottish Open?”

Rory McIlroy didn’t disappoint her as he went ahead to win the event at the Renaissance Club with an amazing 15-under 265 over the four days of play. He did so while carding a total of 22 birdies and an eagle, the latter of which came on the par-5, 3rd hole on the first day. Well, it looks as though the influencer was able to stay true to her predictions back in 2023. But will she be able to do so this time around? That’s the question!