Lucas Glover has explained that his strange decision to take off his shoes during the final round of the 3M Open came after complaints over leaving spike marks near the hole.
Glover was involved in a bizarre incident after draining a birdie putt on the par-fourth 10th at TPC Twin Cities, immediately removing his footwear before walking to retrieve his ball.
Commentators speculated that the 2009 US Open winner may have been taking a stance against Aimpoint, the green-reading system used by many PGA Tour players that sees them utilise their feet and fingers to gauge breaks.
But Glover clarified that he had taken action after a complaint from a rules official that his metal spikes were leaving marks on the soft surfaces in Minnesota.
“Alright, let’s clear this up,” Glover posted on Instagram. “For 23 years on the PGA Tour I’ve worn spikes. 23 years ago, most of us did. It hasn’t been that long since we were NOT allowed to tap them down. 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. Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever been approached about my spikes.
“First of all, it’s not the officials’ place. I wasn’t breaking any rules. Secondly, there were people in the groups in front of me and behind me wearing metal spikes as well. The greens at 3M are bent grass, were soft, and appeared to have been watered a fair amount (because of the forecast I’d imagine).
“I don’t care what you wear on your feet, metal or soft spikes, in those conditions they are going to get beat up. I did my best around the hole to tap down my damage as I was leaving the area.”
Since 2019, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A have allowed players to tap down spike marks to restore the putting green back to its original condition – and Glover insists he’ll make no changes to his footwear after the incident.
“I’ll be wearing metal spikes, and the people playing behind me are still allowed to tap down the marks. Did I mention that?” said Glover.
