At the 2025 Travelers Championship, Collin Morikawa stunned the golf community by choosing to play without his glove, an unusual move for a PGA Tour event. This bold decision, aimed at improving his connection with the club, sparked widespread discussion among players and fans about the role of gloves in modern golf.

Known for its deep-rooted customs and etiquette, golf rarely sees such experimentation during major tournaments, making Morikawa’s glove-free approach a standout moment in this PGA Tour Signature Event.

Reactions from Peers Highlight Division on Glove Usage

Morikawa shared that he had been practicing without a glove to better feel the club in his hands, a technique he hoped would enhance his performance. This approach drew mixed reactions, especially from Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1, who expressed skepticism and highlighted personal challenges with sweaty hands.

Scheffler’s reluctance to adopt Morikawa’s method underlined the contrasting preferences among top golfers regarding grip and comfort during play. His perspective added fuel to an ongoing debate in the sport.

Historical Context and Mixed Opinions on Playing Without Gloves

While many professionals rely on gloves to ensure a firm grip, Morikawa is not the first to experiment with going glove-free. Golf legends such as Fred Couples and Ben Hogan have also played without gloves, showing that the sport’s evolution includes moments of individual innovation.

This mix of tradition and experimentation continues to challenge players to find the ideal balance between feel and control, leaving fans divided over whether the glove-free style will become more widespread or remain a rare exception.

Future Implications of Morikawa’s Glove-Free Approach

As the Travelers Championship progresses, attention remains fixed on how Morikawa’s glove-free experiment will affect his game and tournament results. This decision highlights the larger tension between honoring golfing traditions and embracing new methods to gain a competitive edge.

Whether Morikawa’s tactic inspires others or is viewed as a temporary experiment, his choice prompts a reflection on how innovations can shape the sport’s future.

“I’ve been trying to improve my feel for the club by playing without a glove during practice, and I wanted to see if it would help me on the course.”

—Collin Morikawa

“I struggle with sweaty hands, so I don’t think I could ever play without a glove. It just wouldn’t work for me.”

—Scottie Scheffler