PGA Tour golfer Lucas Glover has explained his unusual decision to remove his shoes during the final round of the recent 3M Open in Minnesota. The former US Open champion took his shoes off on the tenth hole after sinking a birdie putt, an action that sparked speculation among viewers and golf pundits.
While some believed Glover's act was a protest against the growing use of the Aimpoint putting technique, which utilizes foot-based green reading, he clarified his motives in a statement on his Instagram account. Glover stated that the demonstration was a response to complaints he received about spike marks he was leaving on the greens.
"For 23 years on the PGA Tour, I've worn spikes," Glover wrote. "Yesterday was the first time I've ever had a complaint. I know there have been some pretty heated discussions and arguments between other players in years past about spike marks and knowing how to walk, but not since we've been able to tap them down."
He expressed frustration with being approached by an official about his spikes mid-round, asserting that he was not breaking any rules. Glover also noted that other players in preceding and following groups were also wearing metal spikes on the bent grass greens, which he described as soft and well-watered. He argued that in such conditions, any type of spike, soft or metal, can cause damage.
Glover emphasized that players are now permitted to tap down spike marks and fix soft spike depressions. "My demonstration yesterday had nothing to do with Aimpoint. I have no idea how anyone came to that conclusion," he stated.
Glover competed in the 3M Open following an opening round of 65. He finished outside the top 50 after carding scores of 70, 72, and 72 in the subsequent rounds.