Lucas Glover Removes Shoes at 3M Open to Prevent Spike Marks, Not Protest AimPoint

During the final round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities, veteran PGA Tour player Lucas Glover (2009 U.S. Open champion) sank a 10-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole, then removed his shoes and walked in socks to retrieve his ball. He said an official had approached him about a complaint that his metal spikes might have left marks around the hole. Glover’s action sparked immediate speculation that he was protesting the AimPoint green-reading system, a claim he later denied.

PGA Tour: Lucas Glover clears up AimPoint speculation after removing shoes during round ESPNLucas Glover explains why he took his shoes off in protest during 3M Open

Since 2019 the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A have permitted players to tap down spike marks to restore greens to their original condition. Glover noted that the 3M Open greens are bent-grass, soft, and had been watered, making any spikes—metal or soft—prone to leaving impressions. He emphasized that other competitors in front of and behind him were also wearing metal spikes.

Lucas Glover explains why he took his shoes off in protest during 3M Open

He stressed that he had never previously received a complaint in his 23-year career on the Tour. Glover also expressed frustration that the incident diverted attention from rookie Jackson Koivun, who won the tournament with a record-tying 25-under 259 total. Glover finished tied for 57th at 5-under and confirmed he will compete in the upcoming Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club, stating he will continue to wear metal spikes.

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• “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.” — Lucas Glover, PGA tour veteran — Lucas Glover, PGA Tour veteran

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• “I have no idea how anyone came to that conclusion," Glover said.” — Lucas Glover, PGA tour veteran — Lucas Glover, PGA Tour veteran

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• “My biggest disappointment in all of this, is that a small faction of people are talking too much about this, a non issue, instead of Jackson (Koivun),” — Lucas Glover, PGA tour veteran — Lucas Glover, PGA Tour veteran

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• “I'll be wearing metal spikes, and the people playing behind me are still allowed to tap down the marks,” — Lucas Glover, PGA tour veteran — Lucas Glover, PGA Tour veteran

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Glover is slated to play in the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club later this week. He indicated no intention to change his footwear, reaffirming that metal spikes remain permissible under current USGA and R&A regulations.

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