Lucas Glover found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy during the final round of the 3M Open. Still, the longtime PGA Tour veteran says the explanation is much simpler than many people assumed. Television viewers watched Glover make a birdie putt on the 10th hole before taking off his golf shoes and walking to the cup in nothing but his socks to retrieve his ball.
The unusual scene immediately sparked speculation, with some commentators suggesting the 2009 U.S. Open champion was making a statement against AimPoint, the green-reading method that has become increasingly common on the PGA Tour. Glover quickly dismissed that theory.
Glover Explains His Shoes Removal
In a video posted to Instagram on Monday, Glover explained that his decision had nothing to do with AimPoint or any broader protest. Instead, he said a rules official had informed him during the round that complaints had been made about his metal spikes allegedly leaving marks on the greens at TPC Twin Cities.
According to Glover, it was the first time in his 23-year PGA Tour career that anyone had raised an issue with the spikes he has worn throughout his professional career. He pointed out that many players once wore metal spikes and that golfers are now allowed to repair spike marks by tapping them down before leaving the green.
Glover also questioned why the matter was brought to him through an official rather than directly by another player, emphasizing that he was not violating any rule. He noted that other competitors in nearby groups were also wearing metal spikes and argued that the soft bentgrass greens, combined with recent watering ahead of the weather forecast, made the surface more susceptible to marks regardless of the type of footwear being used.
How the Confusion Started
Michael Kim added context to the situation on social media, writing that someone wearing metal spikes had apparently been leaving noticeable marks on the greens and that one or more players believed Glover was responsible. According to Kim, tournament officials relayed those concerns to Glover, prompting the reaction seen on television.
Glover said removing his shoes was simply the only way he could think of to avoid making additional marks around the cup while retrieving his ball. He expressed surprise that so many people interpreted the moment as a criticism of AimPoint, saying he had no idea how that conclusion gained traction.
Attention Returns to Jackson Koivun
While Glover addressed the misunderstanding in detail, he made it clear that his biggest frustration was the attention the incident received compared to the tournament’s actual story. Rookie Jackson Koivun captured his first PGA Tour victory by shooting a final-round 66 to finish at a tournament-record 25-under 259, holding off world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the process. Glover said that accomplishment deserved far more discussion than what he described as a non-issue involving his footwear.
Glover finished tied for 57th at 5-under for the week and is scheduled to compete in the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. He also left little doubt about one detail heading into his next tournament. He plans to continue wearing metal spikes, adding one final reminder that players following behind him are still free to tap down any marks left on the greens.
