PGA Tour winner Lucas Glover sparked internet speculation at the 3M Open when he removed his shoes on the 10th green at TPC Twin Cities. While observers initially suspected a protest against the AimPoint green-reading technique, Glover and Tour officials clarified it was a lighthearted reaction to spike mark complaints.
The 10th Hole Incident at TPC Twin Cities
Immediately after sinking the putt, the 45-year-old walked off the green, removed both of his shoes in his grey bombas, and walked around in his socks before retrieving his ball from the cup.
On first viewing, spectators and broadcasters connected the unusual action to Glover’s well-known frustration with contemporary putting methods. The veteran golfer has previously been an outspoken critic of the feel-based AimPoint technique, which requires players to use their feet to gauge green slope and determine break lines.
Clarifying the AimPoint Rumors Versus Reality
Because Glover has previously argued that AimPoint slows down pace of play and causes excessive foot traffic near the hole, social media and commentators quickly labeled his shoe removal as a protest against the putting method. Paired with Max Greyserman—who also utilizes the technique—the moment seemed tailor-made for a turf war over green wear.
However, reality proved much more mundane. Hours after his round, the PGA Tour issued a formal statement clarifying the motivation behind the theatrical gesture.
“Lucas had been asked to be mindful of his spike marks on the green and was trying to be lighthearted.”
Photo: Golfweek
PGA Tour Statement, via Golf Channel and Golfweek
Glover himself corroborated the account online and directly to reporters. Responding to the FlushingIt account on Instagram, the former U.S. Open champion explained that a group playing immediately behind his own had lodged complaints about his footwear leaving marks on the soft surfaces.
“I wear metal [spikes]. Someone in the group ahead of us was too. Singled me out. Just goofing off.”
Lucas Glover, via Golfmagic and The Mirror US
Elaborating on the incident to GolfChannel.com, Glover added context regarding the practical realities of turf conditions and modern equipment rules.
“There were some complaints about my metal spikes marking up the greens from some guys behind me. Rules official notified me. Was just being silly, there’s no way to not mark up soft, damp bent greens. Oh, and we can tap down spike marks now.”
Lucas Glover, via Golf Channel
Tournament Aftermath and Immediate Impact
The levity of the shoe removal did not immediately translate to on-course momentum. Directly following his theatrics on the 10th hole, Glover carded a triple bogey on the 11th. He finished out his Sunday round with a mix of birdies, a double bogey, and a closing eagle to complete a tournament where he opened with a 65 before following up with rounds of 70, 72, and 72 to finish outside the top 50.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
