I wonder if it was one guy, or if most people did it because it feels good.  I only play with a glove during a full swing.  Most guys I see don't use gloves when they're near the green.  It just seems more comfortable to me....

There has to be a "first" one -- he must have had success or no one would copy him -- all the greats kept their glove on, Casper, Palmer, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Player -- heck, Nicklaus still putts wearing his glove.

It must have been some one like Stockton or Crenshaw or some one like them ----- but who??

Maybe they decided to remove the glove to get a even tan on there gloved hand.

Great question! I can't wait to see the answer!!

I would guess it started when they saw Crenshaw turn the 15 footer into a gimmee. 

I think TW takes his glove off after every shot.  I heard it takes him out of focus when not hitting and he zero's in when's he's hitting or putting.  I, for one, like to keep my glove on the entire round.

A great question. This is a convention that most golfers do abide by today. Can't wait to hear who started this revolution.

I believe it was Palmer who started the trend of removing his glove when putting. Given he was so successful I am not surprised that a lot of amateurs and professionals followed suit.

Darius

It wasn't Palmar - he did not remove his glove - don't know the year of this photo, it clearly shows the glove with his logo - I'm guessing around 1973.

This photo is Palmer lining up a putt in the 1981 British Open at Royal St. George's - see the glove!

Yes - it is true that Mr. Palmer did keep his glove on now and again. However if one reviews golfing history books, they will find many articles on putting that refer to the fact that Mr. Palmer removed his glove "most of the time" for putting particularly during the period of time when he was envied for his putting prowess.

I think the putter feels better when the glove is off but yes very interesting to see who started the movement for everyone else.

As old as I am, I kinda think the trend started about the mid seventies early eighties,

The golfers johnny M, Jerry P, H.Irwin, Gentle Ben were all in their prime, and I think they were all starting to do it.  However, I think there was a guy name Corey P.  he was tearing it up putting wise, but I don' remember if he was taking off his glove.

I had a glove once that I wore on my left hand and the back side was not covered, it only had a snap button to hold it in place the tan line looked freaky as did the knee high socks when I wore shorts. 

Anyways, good question.  Will we ever find the answer?

Corey Pavin did not wear a glove at all - just like Freddie C.

We still do not know who the trendsetter was.

I like the feel w/o a glove around the green, I like to give my glove a chance to dry in warm weather, and being LH, so I can be ready at the end of a round to shake hands w/o a glove on my RH.  I'd take credit for the trend, but I only started playing 5 years ago.

Gabe: The reason they remove their glove after each shot is to allow the glove to dry out before the next shot - it stays softer that way. Of course if it is raining, they are trying to keep it dry.

The reason they remove their glove now to putt and to hit chip and pitch shots is because they think they have better "feel" for the short shots ----------- I know why --------- now I want to know "WHO" started it!

I know all the photos out there show Arnold Palmer putting with his glove on, but if you look closely, he's putting without a glove as well.

Palmer and Nicklaus both wore gloves since they began competing in the amateur tournaments, but it was Mr Arnold Palmer himself who started the habit of removing his glove when preparing to putt. This was emulated by amateurs everywhere, with Palmer making the gesture seem 'cool' at a time when golf was soaring in popularity.

By the time Palmer had become the role model of his day, every club golfer was doing the glove bit. Fingers hung from hip pockets throughout the world of golf, with those sporting them felling for that moment like the great man himself.

From that moment on, whether Palmer putted with his glove on or off, the trend had been set and has continued to this day. 

I also agree that nowadays the glove remains removed for the feel factor, rather than a fashion statement.