GOLF: Glover says shoe removal was not an AimPoint protest

Former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover said on Monday that removing his shoes during the final round of the 3M Open was not a protest against the AimPoint putting technique, but a way to avoid leaving marks on the green with his metal spikes.

Glover made a 10-foot birdie putt on the par-four 10th hole at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, on Sunday before taking off his shoes and walking toward the cup in his socks to retrieve his ball.

Television commentators suggested that Glover’s move was a statement against AimPoint, a putting method criticized by some players for slowing down play and potentially damaging greens as golfers walk around the putting line and hole to read breaks.

Glover, who has previously been outspoken in his criticism of AimPoint, clarified the reason behind the gesture in a post on Instagram on Monday.

“My demonstration yesterday had nothing to do with AimPoint. I have no idea how anyone came to that conclusion,” Glover wrote.

“I took my shoes off to get my ball out of the 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.”

Since 2019, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A have allowed players to repair spike marks on putting greens to restore them to their original condition.

Glover said a rules official approached him after receiving a complaint about spike marks around the holes. He added that other players in the event were also wearing metal spikes.

“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,” Glover said.

“Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever been approached about my spikes.”

Glover, who has six PGA Tour titles, including his 2009 U.S. Open victory, finished tied for 57th at the 3M Open. He said he plans to continue wearing metal spikes when he returns to competition this week in Detroit.

“I’ll be wearing metal spikes, and the people playing behind me are still allowed to tap down the marks. Did I mention that?” Glover said.

-Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters