MEMBER REVIEWS: L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 and OZ.1i Putter Member Testing | See What Members Are Saying

[Young Money]

Was able to get out today with my son at a great course in Heber, UT called Soldier Hollow (Gold Course). The only downside was the greens are healing a bit from something, not a full punch job but also a little bumpy, not rolling perfectly. Got off to a rough start bogeying the first 7 holes in a row including two 3 putts. Made a nice birdie on 8 rolling in a 20 footer and then just missed low on the next hole from a similar distance. Played and putted a lot better on the back, overall had 33 putts with 19 on the front but only 14 on the back. Shot 83.

 

One thing I'm noticing is I need to continue getting out on courses with tougher greens. I feel super comfy with the Oz but need more reps having to start 5 footers outside the hole and really commit because I can tell I'm not used to that yet. I also am still struggling at times when I keep my thumbs on the putter for shorter putts it feels really easy to pull it and I'm clearly manipulating the face in the stroke. Need to keep practicing and experimenting with grip pressure on short putts.

[gator022]

Another short update on my @labgolf experience….

 

My stroke and putting is now settling in and this is my gamer. Traveled out of town to play this week with family.  No 3 putts, a couple of 1 putts and really confident in rolling the LAB now. Once you get used to it with the speed and then also ball placement (as their CEO told me a little forward) the putts get much better. Even used it off the green out of some Kentucky bluegrass and it came out well. 
 

This thing is a gamer! Get a virtual fitting and enjoy it. I know now all I think about over my putts is my line and speed. Heck I even know if I’m off on line a touch I’m still ok there too because of the zero torque.

[Rbsiedsc]

9 hours ago, Young Money said:

t. I also am still struggling at times when I keep my thumbs on the putter for shorter putts it feels really easy to pull it and I'm clearly manipulating the face in the stroke. Need to keep practicing and experimenting with grip pressure on short putts.

This is me too. Despite coming from a DF this still pops up. I always need to take Sam’s advice and start every warm up session before a round or practice taking about 5-10 putts thumbs off. 

[cocolamb22]

On 5/2/2025 at 8:51 PM, Young Money said:

Was able to get out today with my son at a great course in Heber, UT called Soldier Hollow (Gold Course). The only downside was the greens are healing a bit from something, not a full punch job but also a little bumpy, not rolling perfectly. Got off to a rough start bogeying the first 7 holes in a row including two 3 putts. Made a nice birdie on 8 rolling in a 20 footer and then just missed low on the next hole from a similar distance. Played and putted a lot better on the back, overall had 33 putts with 19 on the front but only 14 on the back. Shot 83.

 

One thing I'm noticing is I need to continue getting out on courses with tougher greens. I feel super comfy with the Oz but need more reps having to start 5 footers outside the hole and really commit because I can tell I'm not used to that yet. I also am still struggling at times when I keep my thumbs on the putter for shorter putts it feels really easy to pull it and I'm clearly manipulating the face in the stroke. Need to keep practicing and experimenting with grip pressure on short putts.

solid course! love soldier. 

[dam276]

Quick weekend golf trip and man what a difference a month makes:

 

 

Now officially positive SG in putting and my handicap is down a shot since I started using it. Can’t say enough good things about the confidence I’m getting. Rolled in 2 putts >20 feet and felt like everything scared the hole. Best indication was my caddie said he was going home to order one after our afternoon round yesterday 😂.

 

Will leave this for future reference, but I have a hard time believing I’d move away from this thing. BST post for the rest of the locker incoming! 

Edited May 4 by dam276

[Rory4Pres]

Oh my 'lanta.  What a roller coaster of a weekend with this putter...

 

Saturday it got fired after 5 holes of sheer pain on the greens.  Sunday, after blowing up on my round, I switched back to the Oz on the 11th hole and proceeded to birdie 4 of the last 8 holes.  Played a 2 man scramble after that and putted pretty good with it as well.

 

The learning curve for me is small, specific details (ie, aligning 2" up or back in my stance, hitting up vs hitting down on the ball, compressing vs not compressing). 

 

Biggest weakness is still lack of feel.  It shows on short, hard breakers.  This is what's tough for me, I have to have a putter that I can make those 3-6' putts with.  

 

I am still really struggling with this GEARS shaft.  I picked it purely due to the lighter weight (untested) and it is the lone regret and weakness of this putter build.  Maybe I'll get used to it and start to love it...or maybe it'll accidently break over my knee and tragically need to be replaced...  We shall see.

[jongalt55]

Monday update:

 

Played twice this weekend.  Greens still recovering from being punched, but rolling decently.  Putting wasn't perfect, but the OZ is still, without question, my gamer going forward.  Opened with two three putts in the first three holes yesterday, then proceeded to make four birdies (only one of which was inside 6') and a couple testy par saves the rest of the round.  The ball is consistently coming off on line and rolling well.  Distance control on long lag putts has been pretty solid (i.e., better than my prior gamer).  Durability is great--head still looks brand new after a couple weeks of play on sandy punched greens.

 

After reading all the other reviews, I think one thing that would be super helpful would be if @labgolf could provide a breakdown of the specs on the various shafts they offer.  The information on the website (https://labgolf.com/pages/choosing-the-right-putter-shaft) provides great qualitative guidance.  But there is no information on weight, and that can make a huge difference in how a shaft feels.  So what do you say @labgolf?  Do you mind giving us nominal pre-cut weights for the various shaft options?

[CanFred]

Thanks for the updates everyone - hate to hear about the shaft experience @Rory4Pres.  Here's hoping you get used to the weight / feel and it comes around for you!

 

Also, great to see those stats tick up @dam276!

[Rbsiedsc]

Had a quick nine today and did not get a chance to hit the putting green before hand. Had a couple three putts due to that and left most putts short due to that. Start lines were great with the Oz. On a handful of holes once I got my speed a little better left me we some easy tap ins. The 6-12' range had no makes again due to me not being able to calibrate ahead of the round.

[Rbsiedsc]

Another nine today. My SG are bad putting. Some reason I am really struggling with my reads so no fault of the putter. The ball goes where it’s setup and the distance control has helped me not fully blow up despite my poor reads. 

[Rory4Pres]

Got to play 18 holes with this OZ.1i yesterday in ideal weather conditions.  I'm so used to playing in wind that the putter head actually felt heavy because of the calm conditions.  I feel like this putter has such a decent chance at making the bag but I am still struggling with 2 things:

 

1) speed control, especially on short putts

2)pulling putts inside 5'. 

 

Had several great rolls that definitely had the perfect line but just too much pace to turn into the hole.  Love seeing the ball roll end over end though.

 

The good news is I don't hate the GEARS shaft as much as I did last week.  I don't love it but I don't hate it.  That's a start.  Just need to figure out how to manipulate my stroke to get these short ones to drop more consistently.  

 

 

[Rbsiedsc]

Got out to do some more thorough practice and I think I got my distance control more dialed in. I definitely have to be more aware of my hands with the Oz than the df2.1. Df2.1 is more auto pilot. Oz if I am not more focused can go left on me, especially heads up putting. 

[Rory4Pres]

Used the Oz.1i again this weekend.  I'm starting to wonder if this is going to be a backup putter for me.  The same issues with lack of feel, struggles with speed control on short putts and pulling short putts continued.  Almost feels like it's in my head now.  May take a few weeks off and start back with a clean mental slate.  

 

A friend has a steel shaft oz.1i arriving this week.  May take a few rolls with it to compare feedback from the 2 shafts.  

 

On a positive note, my other friend tried my Oz (he has a mezz) and he loved it.  So just goes to show everybody's opinions are different.  

[hwwong]

1 hour ago, Rory4Pres said:

Used the Oz.1i again this weekend.  I'm starting to wonder if this is going to be a backup putter for me.  The same issues with lack of feel, struggles with speed control on short putts and pulling short putts continued.  Almost feels like it's in my head now.  May take a few weeks off and start back with a clean mental slate.  

 

A friend has a steel shaft oz.1i arriving this week.  May take a few rolls with it to compare feedback from the 2 shafts.  

 

On a positive note, my other friend tried my Oz (he has a mezz) and he loved it.  So just goes to show everybody's opinions are different.  

 

I took a couple weeks off as well because I was suffering from the same.  Lack of feel on shorter putts, and pulls too.  This weekend I Picked up the broom OZ.1i again and it felt better.  For me, I got too focused on hitting up on putts, which on the short ones really caused some issues.  

[gator022]

I’ll echo some adjustment sentiments of the guys above but I’m staying the course.  I know it’s a more stable head. Getting adjusted to ball placement in stance and the speed is the biggest adjustment.

 

I have not ordered the Putting Board putting aide that Sam Hahn CEO of LAB suggested on our call but I can see how it may help and have considered it. 
 

Before the LAB I was averaging 36 putts per round. Since I have had a bunch below and a bunch above it. But I’m now starting to make a bunch of 5-10 footers.

 

I’m not giving up on it! 

Edited May 12 by gator022

[Rbsiedsc]

8 minutes ago, gator022 said:

I’ll echo some adjustment sentiments of the guys above but I’m staying the course.  I know it’s a more stable head. Getting adjusted to ball placement in stance and the speed is the biggest adjustment.

 

I have not ordered the Putting Board putting aide that Sam Hahn CEO of LAB suggested on our call but I can see how it may help and have considered it. 
 

Before the LAB I was averaging 36 putts per round. Since I have had a bunch below and a bunch above it. But I’m now starting to make a bunch of 5-10 footers.

 

I’m not giving up on it! 

agreed with quoted. I won't give up on it but may rotate it through with the DF2.1. My issues are mainly self inflected and not on the putter itself. If I could read a dang green this putter would be amazing in my stats.

[Rory4Pres]

To be fair, I've ranged from a 0 to 3 handicap over the last decade and putting is my biggest strength.  I went through about 40 putters and then ordered a couple custom ones to exactly what I wanted in every detail of the design.  Since then, I hadn't bought anymore putters and have used the same putter for several years with incredible results.  I don't keep putting stats because I'm just not a stats guy but would estimate I probably average around 29-30 putts a round, maybe less if I miss more greens than normal on my approaches.  

 

The reason I say that is because I'm not just winging it with this Lab.  I'm giving it ample amount of testing, tinkering in every way possible (standing closer/further from the ball, playing it up/back in my stance, hitting up/down on it, standing more/less upright, firm/light grip pressure, compressing and not compressing the ball).  Each time I've used it, I've struggled with the same 2 things on shorter putts, speed control and pulling it.

 

I'm coming with a raw carbon milled blade long neck putter so going from that to a stainless steel insert 2 piece putter just isn't fair feel-wise.  Carbon is the best feeling/feedback putter out there behind copper.  Stainless, due to the chrome, is probably 4th in that (behind aluminum).  I would have probably skipped the insert but I thought there was too much milling on the non-insert model.  Had it been at or near a smooth finish, it would have been my first pick.

 

I do think Lab is on to something special but I also believe there is room for improvement in the feel category.  I also think there need to be more shaft options because I found myself wanting the TPT feedback and overall characteristics BUT in the weight of the GEARS.  (the TPT is ~17g heavier for a 35" club for reference).  I actually reached out to TPT and requested they consider engineering and producing a lighter putter shaft option.

 

I do want to mention, this is ALL my personal opinions.  I'm not looking to get into any debates or arguments.  I respect everyone's individual opinions whether they align with mine or not.  I'm simply explaining what's holding me up personally from making this my gamer.

 

 

[StoutKing]

2 hours ago, Rory4Pres said:

To be fair, I've ranged from a 0 to 3 handicap over the last decade and putting is my biggest strength.  I went through about 40 putters and then ordered a couple custom ones to exactly what I wanted in every detail of the design.  Since then, I hadn't bought anymore putters and have used the same putter for several years with incredible results.  I don't keep putting stats because I'm just not a stats guy but would estimate I probably average around 29-30 putts a round, maybe less if I miss more greens than normal on my approaches.  

 

The reason I say that is because I'm not just winging it with this Lab.  I'm giving it ample amount of testing, tinkering in every way possible (standing closer/further from the ball, playing it up/back in my stance, hitting up/down on it, standing more/less upright, firm/light grip pressure, compressing and not compressing the ball).  Each time I've used it, I've struggled with the same 2 things on shorter putts, speed control and pulling it.

 

I'm coming with a raw carbon milled blade long neck putter so going from that to a stainless steel insert 2 piece putter just isn't fair feel-wise.  Carbon is the best feeling/feedback putter out there behind copper.  Stainless, due to the chrome, is probably 4th in that (behind aluminum).  I would have probably skipped the insert but I thought there was too much milling on the non-insert model.  Had it been at or near a smooth finish, it would have been my first pick.

 

I do think Lab is on to something special but I also believe there is room for improvement in the feel category.  I also think there need to be more shaft options because I found myself wanting the TPT feedback and overall characteristics BUT in the weight of the GEARS.  (the TPT is ~17g heavier for a 35" club for reference).  I actually reached out to TPT and requested they consider engineering and producing a lighter putter shaft option.

 

I do want to mention, this is ALL my personal opinions.  I'm not looking to get into any debates or arguments.  I respect everyone's individual opinions whether they align with mine or not.  I'm simply explaining what's holding me up personally from making this my gamer.

 

 

Respect.  I have the standard weight with TPT and rubber grip.  It's 589g.  Typically I prefer a lighter putter but I'm going to stick it out for a while.  Part of me thinks I would have done better to get the lighter steel shaft and the press grip.  The lighter setup felt good the one time I tried it.

[Rbsiedsc]

Well my SG is saying that the OZ1.i is not working well for me although today was better and trending better. However, today felt really good. Only 2 3-putts (both self inflicted). Some great putts from the fringe or even rough on a slope where chipping would be hard. I think I am just overall in a putting funk. I was very close to sinking 2 putts over 30' today and were left with tap ins. Need to work 10' and in more

 

Edited May 13 by Rbsiedsc

[DKgolfAZ]

Update:

 

have about 4 more rounds on the OZ1i.

 

feel off the face is still incredible. It’s probably my favorite out of all my putters now in that regard. Tied for 2nd would be my custom  smooth milled PXG w/kbs gps and first run Toulon Austin.

 

For the TPT shaft, I think the closest thing I have is the diamana p105 2.0 in terms of feel, it’s just not quite as good as the TPT. Idk what it is but it’s so dang good.

 

Now on to performance…

 

my overall average putts per round is down 1.5 since I’ve got the OZ. Average right now is 32.2 putts per round with the OZ.

 

my handicap has dropped from a 9.1 to 8.7 which almost directly correlates with my putting and the increased up and downs associated with my increased 6-10’ %.
 

Distance control is getting better as I become more and more accustomed to the weight.

 

I am definitely staying the course with this putter.

[Rory4Pres]

16 hours ago, DKgolfAZ said:

Update:

 

have about 4 more rounds on the OZ1i.

 

feel off the face is still incredible. It’s probably my favorite out of all my putters now in that regard. Tied for 2nd would be my custom  smooth milled PXG w/kbs gps and first run Toulon Austin.

 

For the TPT shaft, I think the closest thing I have is the diamana p105 2.0 in terms of feel, it’s just not quite as good as the TPT. Idk what it is but it’s so dang good.

 

Now on to performance…

 

my overall average putts per round is down 1.5 since I’ve got the OZ. Average right now is 32.2 putts per round with the OZ.

 

my handicap has dropped from a 9.1 to 8.7 which almost directly correlates with my putting and the increased up and downs associated with my increased 6-10’ %.
 

Distance control is getting better as I become more and more accustomed to the weight.

 

I am definitely staying the course with this putter.

That's awesome man.  Glad it's working out well for you.

 

I didn't know Diamana made putter shafts.  I love the idea of the 105 in the 2.0 firm flex but their website just shows 105 being in a 1.0 (soft flex) and the 135 coming in both 1.0 and 2.0.  Am I missing something here? 

[Rory4Pres]

3 minutes ago, Rory4Pres said:

That's awesome man.  Glad it's working out well for you.

 

I didn't know Diamana made putter shafts.  I love the idea of the 105 in the 2.0 firm flex but their website just shows 105 being in a 1.0 (soft flex) and the 135 coming in both 1.0 and 2.0.  Am I missing something here? 

I guess it doesn't matter.  The Diamana is a .355 tip and oz needs a .370.

[DKgolfAZ]

3 minutes ago, Rory4Pres said:

That's awesome man.  Glad it's working out well for you.

 

I didn't know Diamana made putter shafts.  I love the idea of the 105 in the 2.0 firm flex but their website just shows 105 being in a 1.0 (soft flex) and the 135 coming in both 1.0 and 2.0.  Am I missing something here? 

I believe it’s made for the Japanese market. You can find 105 2.0’s from Japanese sellers on eBay.

 

It’s definitely stout but still has feel. It’s about as close as I can think of to the TPT. The TPT just has more feel.

[ad_l1b]

On 5/13/2025 at 7:10 AM, Rory4Pres said:

To be fair, I've ranged from a 0 to 3 handicap over the last decade and putting is my biggest strength.  I went through about 40 putters and then ordered a couple custom ones to exactly what I wanted in every detail of the design.  Since then, I hadn't bought anymore putters and have used the same putter for several years with incredible results.  I don't keep putting stats because I'm just not a stats guy but would estimate I probably average around 29-30 putts a round, maybe less if I miss more greens than normal on my approaches.  

 

The reason I say that is because I'm not just winging it with this Lab.  I'm giving it ample amount of testing, tinkering in every way possible (standing closer/further from the ball, playing it up/back in my stance, hitting up/down on it, standing more/less upright, firm/light grip pressure, compressing and not compressing the ball).  Each time I've used it, I've struggled with the same 2 things on shorter putts, speed control and pulling it.

 

I'm coming with a raw carbon milled blade long neck putter so going from that to a stainless steel insert 2 piece putter just isn't fair feel-wise.  Carbon is the best feeling/feedback putter out there behind copper.  Stainless, due to the chrome, is probably 4th in that (behind aluminum).  I would have probably skipped the insert but I thought there was too much milling on the non-insert model.  Had it been at or near a smooth finish, it would have been my first pick.

 

I do think Lab is on to something special but I also believe there is room for improvement in the feel category.  I also think there need to be more shaft options because I found myself wanting the TPT feedback and overall characteristics BUT in the weight of the GEARS.  (the TPT is ~17g heavier for a 35" club for reference).  I actually reached out to TPT and requested they consider engineering and producing a lighter putter shaft option.

 

I do want to mention, this is ALL my personal opinions.  I'm not looking to get into any debates or arguments.  I respect everyone's individual opinions whether they align with mine or not.  I'm simply explaining what's holding me up personally from making this my gamer.

 

 

Compared to the DF2.1 the sound and feel on the OZ1i is LIGHT YEARS better, I feel like they have progressed a lot in a pretty short amount of time in this area...but again seeing as how the DF2.1 sounds & feels like hitting a cowbell against an anvil YMMV. 

[Rory4Pres]

So as I've stated multiple times before my biggest issue with the Oz.1i is on short putts I struggle with speed control and pulling the ball.  Well, last night I was tinkering and think I may have a new grip position worth trying.  I putt left hand low.  I noticed if I turn my left hand closer to my body, it can help physically hold and prevent the face from closing at impact.

 

That will be my primary mental thought the next time I get it out to the course.

 

While it's easy to quickly draw a quick conclusion, I do think every new putter requires some type of tinkering to get the best roll and performance out of it.  

[Rbsiedsc]

Just now, Rory4Pres said:

So as I've stated multiple times before my biggest issue with the Oz.1i is on short putts I struggle with speed control and pulling the ball.  Well, last night I was tinkering and think I may have a new grip position worth trying.  I putt left hand low.  I noticed if I turn my left hand closer to my body, it can help physically hold and prevent the face from closing at impact.

 

That will be my primary mental thought the next time I get it out to the course.

 

While it's easy to quickly draw a quick conclusion, I do think every new putter requires some type of tinkering to get the best roll and performance out of it.  

Something I also found that works for me along these lines and will try to explain. Left hand low and left thumb on grip. Then grip with right hand high but instead of your right thumb on grip you rest it on the bottom knuckle of your left thumb. 

[Rory4Pres]

36 minutes ago, Rbsiedsc said:

Something I also found that works for me along these lines and will try to explain. Left hand low and left thumb on grip. Then grip with right hand high but instead of your right thumb on grip you rest it on the bottom knuckle of your left thumb. 

My left hand is never that far over the grip to rest my right thumb on it but I'll shift it and give that idea a whirl.

 

 

[DKgolfAZ]

Welp.

 

One of my worst putting performances in a while a couple days ago. I’m going to take it with a grain of salt as I had my daughter with me for a fun 9 after school tossing some balls out for her to chip and putt while the course was near empty and we weren’t bothering anyone.

 

Distance control felt like I had never worked on it before. Ball is starting on the intended line, which is awesome, but man that line is wrong when the speed is wrong 🥲

 

And then I made adjustments. A wider stance, much stronger in the base. More over top the ball, and firm but quiet hands. Many repetitions later and I think I found it. Distance control every thing was absolutely money today.

 

Quick 9 with the kiddo again (she asked me to golf, twist my arm lol), and had 17 puts. It was a really good round for me. Started off birdie par birdie par for a 37. Barely missed the eagle putt on hole 1 (502 yard par 5 easy on in 2). Chipping wasn’t there today, but I’ve been slacking in that practice. For some reason my stock 50 yard pitch was going 65 and rolling out, so I’ll have to get in the sim and figure that one out lol.

 

I am all in on this putter. Feel and performance is just so dang good… Starting to thin the collection of non labs 😬

[bardezart]

Really wanted to like this putter but it is out of the bag and sold after ~5 rounds. I normally play 0.5° loft so having to play 3° was rough for me. Putters with loft always look like they set up closed and this one was no different. Switched to a mySpider slant neck and putting instantly improved. If they ever start offering loft adjustments, would give them another try. 

Edited May 19 by bardezart

[Young Money]

@Rory4Pres I relate to where you're at a lot. I had this experience with the DF3 and now with the Oz where initially I really like it and over time I feel like I'm getting worse. I'm also trying to tinker quite a bit to get comfortable, I agree it feels really easy to pull putts and the speed control on short ones especially on fast greens is tough. I've played a couple rounds and hit the putting green a lot since my last post and I'll have moments where it feels like I'm making progress and then I'll have a 9 hole round with multiple 3 putts which isn't really something I know myself to do very often. 

 

Thinking about trying a larger grip (since I have the 0 degree shaft lean as long as the grip weighs a similar amount to my pistol gt tour LAB said it won't affect the swing weight or lie angle balance).