During the final round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, on Sunday, July 26, Lucas Glover removed his shoes while retrieving his ball to avoid leaving spike marks around the hole [1, 2, 3]. An official told Glover there had been a complaint about spike marks, even though others on the course were also wearing metal spikes [1, 2, 3].
Glover has worn metal spikes throughout his 23-year PGA Tour career and said this was the first time an official approached him mid-round about his spikes. "For 23 years on the PGA Tour I’ve worn spikes. 23 years ago, most of us did," he said. "Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever had a complaint... 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" [3].
He clarified on Instagram the shoe removal was not meant as a protest against AimPoint, the putting green-reading technique. "My demonstration yesterday had nothing to do with Aimpoint. I have no idea how anyone came to that conclusion. I took my shoes off to get my ball out of hole because that was literally the only way to not make any marks around the hole. Again, no matter what type of spikes were on my shoes," Glover said [1]. He added, "I'll be wearing metal spikes, and the people playing behind me are still allowed to tap down the marks. Did I mention that?" [2].
Since 2019, the USGA and R&A have permitted players to tap down spike marks to restore putting greens, a rule Glover pointed to in his remarks [1, 2, 3]. The PGA Tour confirmed Glover was asked to be mindful of spike marks on the green due to his metal spikes [3].
Glover finished tied for 57th place at the 3M Open [1, 2, 3]. He plans to continue wearing metal spikes in future tournaments [1, 2].
