American golfer Lucas Glover has clarified that his decision to remove his shoes during the 3M Open in Minnesota was not a protest against the AimPoint putting technique, but rather a practical measure to avoid making spike marks on the green. Glover, a vocal critic of AimPoint, took to social media to explain that he removed his shoes to retrieve his ball from the hole without damaging the putting surface. The incident sparked speculation among TV commentators, who suggested that Glover's actions were a form of protest against the technique, which has been criticized for slowing down the game and causing damage to greens.
However, Glover emphasized that his intention was simply to preserve the condition of the green, in line with the USGA and R&A's rules allowing players to tap down spike marks. He also revealed that he was approached by an official who had received a complaint about spike marks, and that other golfers on the course were wearing metal spikes. Glover, who has won six PGA Tour titles, including the 2009 U.S. Open, expressed his intention to continue competing with metal spikes, which can be tapped down by fellow players to restore the green to its original condition.