L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 Putter Family

L.A.B. Golf have taken the world by storm with their zero-torque putters and they’re introducing the brand new OZ.1 and OZ.1i to their line-up

Zero-torque putters are the latest golf phenomenon and a big reason for that is the work that L.A.B. Golf has done. If you’re in the market for one of the best putters in the game, you’d be mad not to consider a torque-free model.

Since L.A.B. Golf re-introduced zero-torque putters to the golfing world, other brands have turned their attention to creating challengers, including industry giants, Odyssey, who have launched their Ai-ONE Square 2 Square range. Could the launch of the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 be in response to the threat of L.A.B. Golf being ousted as the number one zero-torque putter brand on Tour?

It’s not only Odyssey and L.A.B. Golf that have torque-free putters in their line-up. PXG have the Allan which we put up against the L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1 to see which zero-torque putter would come out on top. Bettinardi have also joined the party with their Antidote family – the bladed version is already in play for Alex Fitzpatrick, and we expect to see more brands launch models in 2025.

But L.A.B. Golf aren’t resting on their laurels and are aiming to counter the sudden influx of competitors with a release of their own – the OZ.1. The new model was designed with Adam Scott’s input looks set to not only become one of the best L.A.B. Golf putters, but vie for a spot among the most forgiving putters, and the best mallet putters.

And that’s not all… The OZ.1 is being released alongside the OZ.1i, which I’ll get into a bit later, and the OZ.1 Special Release, which sold out within hours of going on sale, despite it’s $1,750 price tag!

The styling of L.A.B. putters come in for some criticism and they definitely haven’t been everyone’s cup of tea so far, but the comments I’ve seen around the OZ.1 have certainly been more positive than any I’ve received about my DF 2.1. However, looks aren’t everything, and it’s the technology that sets L.A.B. apart. Let’s delve into what sets the new models apart from their zero-torque rivals.

L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 Putter: Everything you need to know

The story behind the OZ.1

L.A.B. Golf have long wanted to craft a tour-inspired putter, knowing that the game’s best players are far more sensitive to shape and feel than amateur golfers. With 32-time tour winner Adam Scott having used the Oregon company’s models since 2019, it’s no surprise they turned the Masters champion for his input.

When Scott and L.A.B. Golf first sat down to discuss the OZ.1 over a pint, the Australian had a couple of suggestions regarding the look of the head. He shared his adoration for a 2021 high-performance German sports car, which inspired the new look to the back of the latest model.

Scott also had an idea for how the front end of the putter should look, asking L.A.B. Golf to reimagine one of the most famous mallet putters of all time.

Neither party has revealed which car or putter was the inspiration, so we’ll have to keep guessing, but L.A.B. Golf used both to develop OZ.1, leaning on Scott throughout, to create a perfect blend of what they and the Australian wanted.

Having first played their products five years ago, Scott has used L.A.B. putters consistently since early 2023 and has worked with the brand on their understanding of Lie Angle Balance technology (see where the name came from), which has peaked in the crafting of OZ.1 and OZ.1i. The half-moon, solid-body construction mallet putter is a design that balances modern aesthetics with timeless appeal.

OZ.1 vs OZ.1i

There’s a very simple distinction between the two models that’s obvious when you see the two heads side-by-side. The “i” of the OZ.1i stands for insert. The OZ.1i head sports a mechanically bonded aluminum body that’s mechanically bonded to a fly-milled, medium-depth stainless steel insert. This delivers a firmer feel and faster ball speeds, making the OZ.1i perfect for goflers wanting strong feedback and the sleek look of insert putters.

The OZ.1 doesn’t have an insert, hence the removal of ‘i’. This putter head is one-piece, all-aluminum, and it’s ideal for golfers who favor a softer feel – similar to L.A.B. Golf’s best-selling DF3.

The face construction is the only difference between the two heads in the OZ.1 family.

New Vertical Shaft Lean Option

The OZ.1 and OZ.1i are the first L.A.B. Golf mallet putters to provide golfers with the option of choosing a 0-degree, vertical shaft lean option or opting for the 2-degree shaft lean option.

The vertical shaft lean option is being offered to golfers who prefer to see a vertical shaft at address and/or want to use a standard grip on a L.A.B. Golf mallet putter.

The 2-degree shaft lean option is similar to the DF3 and pairs well with L.A.B. Golf’s Press Grip options. Golfers who opt for the vertical shaft lean option should not use press grip.

OZ.1 and OZ.1i Customization Options

As well as being able to choose from the OZ.1 and OZ.1i heads, and the 0-degree or 2-degree shaft lean options, L.A.B. Golf also offers greater customizations.

You can select your preferred length, lie angle, head weight, color, alignment marking, shaft, and grip, to ensure that the putter is tailored specifically to your needs.

OZ.1 Special Release

This limited-edition release features L.A.B. Golf’s exclusive POLY ROO graphic on the sole, a tribute to Scott’s Australian heritage.

The green putter includes a custom L.A.B. Golf x TPT Golf putter shaft with cream-colored graphics, a Seamus Golf headcover with a sheep wool interior, and packaging adorned with 32 L.A.B. Golf logos to celebrate Scott’s tour victories.

What L.A.B. Golf say about the new putters

“We’ve always challenged ourselves to develop putters that resonate with world-class golfers while retaining all the performance benefits of Lie Angle Balance,” said Sam Hahn, L.A.B. Golf CEO

“Collaborating with Adam Scott was an inspiring and rewarding process for our team, and it provided invaluable insights into the nuances of shape, feel, sound, and performance from one of the most experienced and respected players on the PGA Tour.”

When will the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter be released?

The OZ.1i custom and stock models are expected to launch in December 2024, followed by the OZ.1 stock and custom versions being released in January 2025.

The OZ.1 Special Edition has already sold out with no news on whether there will be further runs.

About the author

James Hogg – Golf Equipment Writer

James Hogg is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com. He has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.

James previously worked for American Golf alongside his studies as part of the sales and fitting team. Having worked in golf retail for seven years he has all the skills and knowledge necessary to review and recommend the perfect equipment for golfers of all abilities and has a strong knowledge of putters, golf balls, and golf apparel, including trousers.

Away from golf, James enjoys a multitude of sports, specifically watching Formula 1, American Football and Horse Racing. He’s also a proud supporter of Middlesbrough FC, likes cooking and reading travel literature.

You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.