Zero Torque Putters: Why Pros and Amateurs Are Ditching Traditional Flatsticks
By Dr. Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. – President PGTAA (www.pgtaa.com)
In the world of golf, the search for the perfect putting stroke is eternal. But in recent years, a shift has taken place—not in the stroke itself, but in the very tools we use to make it.
Enter zero torque putters, a category that has upended decades of design assumptions. These putters don’t just look different, they behave differently. And golfers from weekend warriors to PGA Tour champions are noticing the difference.
So, what exactly is zero torque? Why is it transforming putting performance? And why are models like the L.A.B. Golf DF3 and OZ 1 leading this revolution?
Drawing from The Right Mind for Putting by Dr. Barry Lotz:
Traditional putters demand constant face manipulation to stay square—an unnecessary mental burden that disrupts rhythm and focus. Zero Torque design eliminates that obstacle by aligning the shaft axis directly over the putter’s center of gravity. This allows the golfer to swing naturally from the shoulders with complete trust. The result? A square face through impact, effortless consistency, and a putting stroke that frees the mind to focus solely on speed and line.
Let’s break it down further.
What Is a Zero Torque Putter?
Traditional putters have torque—rotational force—that can cause the face to twist open or closed during the stroke. That’s a problem because putting is all about starting the ball on your intended line. Even the slightest face rotation can send the ball offline, especially under pressure.
Zero torque putters are engineered to eliminate this rotation. They’re Lie Angle Balanced (LAB), meaning the face naturally wants to stay square to your stroke path without manipulation. The result? Fewer variables, more consistency, and a higher chance of holing out.
If you’ve ever felt like your putter was working against you—especially on short putts—zero torque might be your missing link.
L.A.B. Golf: The Brand That Started It All
When we talk about zero torque, we must talk about L.A.B. Golf. Their name literally stands for “Lie Angle Balanced.” These guys have taken a bold, science-first approach that’s made them a cult favorite among elite golfers.
Sam Hahn, Chief Executive Officer of L.A.B. Golf, has been the driving force behind the brand’s meteoric rise. Hahn’s unconventional background in music and entrepreneurialism has fueled the company’s transformation into a disruptive force in the industry. Under his leadership, L.A.B. Golf has achieved nearly 18,000% growth since 2018, solidifying its position as a true innovator in putting technology.
Per Sam Hahn, “All Lie Angle Balanced putters are zero torque, but only L.A.B. Golf putters are Lie Angle Balanced. Zero-torque is an industry term used to describe a group of low-torque putters. L.A.B. is often included in this category, but in our view, only L.A.B. Golf putters are truly Lie Angle Balanced and this designed to square to the arc.”
The DF3 is a refinement of their original Directed Force putter. It’s sleeker, more compact, and—despite its unconventional looks—amazingly easy to use. What sets it apart is how effortless it feels to swing. There’s no sense of the face wanting to twist. You set it on your path and let gravity do its job.
The OZ 1, co-designed with Masters champion Adam Scott, brings zero torque into a more traditional-looking profile. It’s sleek, matte-black, and modern—but underneath the hood is that same L.A.B. tech that keeps your stroke square without extra work.
Proven Performance: Tour-Tested, Data-Backed
The DF3 and OZ 1 have undergone extensive testing using Quintic and SAM PuttLab systems. In our own PGTAA testing group, we saw significant improvements in face angle stability, launch consistency, and roll efficiency—especially inside 10 feet.
Tour validation has only amplified their reputation. One of the biggest moments came when JJ Spaun claimed victory at the 2025 U.S. Open with a DF3 putter. That win didn’t just prove the putter’s mettle under pressure, it catapulted L.A.B. Golf’s visibility and sales, sparking a surge of interest among both pros and amateurs.
Players like Adam Scott and Lucas Glover, both relentless tinkerers in search of putting consistency, have also adopted L.A.B. putters—not for gimmicks, but for results.
But Are They Right for You?
Let’s be clear: zero torque putters aren’t a magic wand. They won’t fix a poor read or a decelerating stroke. But if your stroke is generally sound and you’re struggling with consistency, especially under pressure—a LAB-style putter can be a game-changer.
Short putts feel automatic. Face alignment becomes simpler. And you spend less time trying to “save” your stroke with hand adjustments.
On the flip side, some players feel zero torque putters lack “feel” on longer putts. The tradeoff for that square-face stability is a bit less feedback when you’re trying to finesse a 40-footer or navigate through fringe grass.
Bottom Line: The Future Is Balanced
If you’re a golfer who wants technology to work for you—not against you—zero torque is worth a serious look.
Fitting Matters—And L.A.B. Makes It Easy
At L.A.B. Golf, they believe that proper fitting is just as important as the putter itself. That’s why they developed their innovative Remote Fitting process—designed to ensure your putter is built precisely for your stroke, no matter where you are.
You can easily design your custom putter online, and when you reach the Lie Angle selection, simply choose “Not Sure.” Once your order is complete, head to L.A.B.’s Remote Fitting Page and upload a short fitting video along with your order number. L.A.B.’s expert fitting team will analyze your motion and tailor your putter to your exact specs—for a flatstick that feels like an extension of you.
Try the L.A.B. DF3 or OZ 1. You’ll be surprised at how natural and repeatable your stroke becomes when the putter is no longer fighting back.
t OZ.1/OZ.1i is the first L.A.B. Golf putter to offer both a 2-degree lean and a 0-degree lean, whereas previous putters have only offered a shaft lean option.
As putting technology evolves, it’s clear that torque is out—and balance is in.
⚙️ Quick Comparison: DF3 vs. OZ 1 – www.labgolf.com
| Feature | L.A.B. DF3 | L.A.B. OZ 1 |
| Design Style | Futuristic & High-MOI | Sleek, modern, more traditional |
| Shaft Lean / Grip | Press grip + shaft lean | Same setup, more subtle |
| Feel | Soft, muted, ultra-stable | Slightly firmer, excellent roll |
| Best For | Pure stability, tech-focused golfers | Traditionalists wanting LAB tech |
| Price | $449.99 | $449.99 – $559 |
✅ Final Thought from the PGTAA
If you’re serious about your putting, and you’re tired of guesswork and face wobble, stop compensating and start controlling. Zero torque putters aren’t a fad—they’re a functional evolution. And for many golfers, they’re a revelation.
P.S. Don’t Overlook the L.A.B. Mezz.1 or the LINK.1. Blade putter
Another standout in the lineup is the L.A.B. Mezz.1, a mid-mallet design that bridges the gap between the DF3’s futuristic performance and the OZ 1’s classic styling. It offers incredible forgiveness, sleek lines, and the same Lie Angle Balanced precision. For golfers looking for the best of both worlds—control and feel—the Mezz.1 is a worthy contender.
The team at L.A.B. also realized that many golfers love the look of blade-style putters. They may look beautiful, but they’re not always built to sink putts.
With the LINK.1, Sam kept the classic shape of those legendary putters—but transformed their performance by integrating Lie Angle Balance, making them dramatically easier to use.
The LINK.1. is a work of art!
Because all L.A.B. Golf putters have zero torque, there’s really no adjustment period when you switch to different L.A.B. Golf putter models. That’s why so many L.A.B. devotees, aka Labbers, have multiple L.A.B. Golf putters.
Sometimes golfers want to putt with a mid-mallet. And now, golfers can add LINK.1 to the rotation when they want to putt with something classic.
In this video, L.A.B. Golf CEO Sam Hahn breaks down the difference between toe-up putters and Lie Angle Balanced putters—and why that difference actually matters for your game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoaDCGb5-ec
Breaking news – According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, a majority stake in L.A.B. Golf has been acquired by L Catterton, the private-equity firm backed by LVMH. LVMH is the French conglomerate comprised of high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moet & Chandon, Glenmorangie, Tag Heuer and Hublot. The report cited “people familiar with the matter” and put the valuation at over $200 million.
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. Visit www/facebook.com/PGTAA to see all the latest mental strategies, travel and equipment reviews. Currently he also works with between 10 to 12 PGA Tour players on the mental side of golf.
He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his previous book, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf”, is still in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list. His current books, “The Right Mind for Golf”, “The Right mind for Putting”, The Right Approach to Golf”, and “The Bank Nine – Embracing Golf as a Senior”, is available on at the Torrey Pines Golf Course or https://www.pgtaa.com/product-category/books-and-apparell/.