Lucas Glover recently claimed that kicking off his shoes at a PGA Tour event was more about preventing spike marks than a silent protest against his aimpoint putting technique.
The former U.S. Open champion took off his shoes before wading across the water in his socks to retrieve his ball after sinking a 10-foot birdie putt on the par-4 10th hole in the final round of the 3M Open in Minnesota.
TV commentators have suggested that Glover took off his shoes as a protest against AimPoint, which critics say slows the game down and damages the greens.
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Lucas Glover takes off his shoes after making a putt at the 3M Open.
But Glover, who has been a vocal advocate for AimPoint, took to Instagram on Monday to set things straight.
“My demo yesterday had nothing to do with Aimpoint. I don’t know how anyone came to that conclusion,” Glover wrote.
“I took my shoes off to get the ball out of the hole because it was literally the only way to leave no traces around the hole. Again, it doesn’t matter what type of spikes I have on my shoes.”
Since 2019, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A have allowed players to hammer out spike marks to return putting greens to their original condition.
Glover said he was approached by officials who said there had been complaints about spike marks forming around the hole. He also said other golfers on the course were wearing metal spikes.
Lucas Glover takes off his shoes on the 3M Open green.
“I know there’s been some pretty heated debate and debate among different players over the years about spike markings and how to walk, but not since we’ve been able to hammer it out,” Glover said.
“The first time I was approached about my spikes was yesterday.”
Glover, who counts the 2009 U.S. Open as one of his six PGA Tour titles, concluded his post by saying he has no plans to change shoes as he looks forward to returning to competition this week in Detroit.
“I’ll be wearing metal spikes, and people playing behind me will still be allowed to pound the marks. Did I mention that?” Glover said.
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