The Rise of Golf Impersonators
In an era where social media dominates fan engagement, scammers are increasingly exploiting the names of golf legends and athletes. Most recently, Tiger Woods’s TGL team, LAGC, took to Instagram to issue a stern warning: impersonator accounts have been targeting fans with fake prize giveaway messages.
“Not From Us” – The Official Word
The team made it clear: “These messages are not from us.” The Instagram story emphasized that only verified accounts should be trusted. One fan nearly fell victim after receiving a message about a supposed giveaway prize that required completing a sponsor’s mission. Thankfully, the team’s alert may have helped stop the scam in time.
This Isn’t New
The problem of fake accounts is widespread. Golf influencer Paige Spiranac dealt with similar issues in 2022. She educated her fans about red flags: unsolicited messages, requests for money or gift cards, and fake IDs. She even listed common phrases scammers use, like “dear,” “honey,” and “valued fan.”
Nelly Korda’s Own Warning
Earlier this year, LPGA star Nelly Korda also raised alarms about impersonators. She assured fans she would never ask for money or personal information. Her only official handles are @anellykorda on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). She explicitly stated, “I am not on TikTok.”
Not Just Individuals—Brands Too
Even companies like Callaway Golf have been targeted by online scams. It shows that no one is immune in the digital age, not even major corporations.
Protecting Yourself Online
If you’re a fan, the takeaway is simple: trust only verified accounts, be skeptical of anything that feels off, and never give out personal details in DMs. If something looks too good to be true—like a surprise giveaway you didn’t enter—it probably is.
A Growing Concern
As social platforms grow, so do digital threats. Fans are urged to report suspicious accounts and to rely only on trusted, official sources. For golf lovers, staying informed and alert is key to enjoying a safe online experience.