Spikes no longer needed as part of golf apparel?

Published: 14 April 2011

People who do not wear metal spikes as part of their golf apparel should be allowed to fix spike marks on greens.

That is the assertion of golfer Ryan Moore, who Mike McAllister, writing for PGATour.com, notes is one of several professionals who now opts for a hybrid shoe rather than the more traditional footwear.

Ian Poulter is another who has questioned why metal cleats are still being used and suggested they can make putting a more difficult task.

"The greens got crusty out there this afternoon baked in the heat & wind & plenty of spike marks. why do people still use spikes," he is quoted as saying on his Twitter page.

Bloomberg recently suggested that amateur golfers have been more willing than professionals to abandon their spikes and stated concerns about losing traction when hitting the ball at high speeds may be preventing some from changing their habits.