LAB-US Open

[TheMoneyShot]

10 minutes ago, Red4282 said:

Translation: CHA CHING!!!

No doubt, I bet it was a great day at Lab today!

[dmeeksDC]

1 hour ago, snagy2000 said:

JJ was 1st SG:Putting at the U.S. Open

I think @ANimz Is right. These stats show Matt Fitzpatrick was 1st in strokes gained putting for the week and JJ was second. The next three top putters missed the cut!
 

https://datagolf.com/live-tournament-stats

Fitzpatrick also led in putting for the final round, which is incredible considering what JJ did the final six holes. And he was only fourth-best the final round. 

 

FINAL ROUND

[CBraynor]

23 hours ago, murdoc613 said:

Go to the outlet or the bay

I’ve already got a 2.1 so I’m fine to wait the 8-10 weeks they quoted me, but I’d imagine wait times for putters ordered now are gonna be quite a bit longer 

[A.Princey]

1 hour ago, CBraynor said:

I’ve already got a 2.1 so I’m fine to wait the 8-10 weeks they quoted me, but I’d imagine wait times for putters ordered now are gonna be quite a bit longer 

In 10 week's time I'll be getting my whitetail bow season gear ready. Hopefully it arrives for you pre-aeration time. 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

19 hours ago, ilikegolf26 said:

They needed to ramp up production prior to this. The demand was certainly there to sustain greater production. Lead times for custom putters are in the 6-8+ week range prior to the US Open this past week!

Actually they are quoting 10 to 12 weeks as of a couple weeks ago. 

14 hours ago, Carson33 said:

I was at a local Golf Galaxy today during lunch and the sales manager said they had already sold 5 LAB putters this morning.

Proof like I've always heard and said,  What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday! 

[Rbsiedsc]

cool look into the build process

 

[RavishingRhett]

10 hours ago, A.Princey said:

In 10 week's time I'll be getting my whitetail bow season gear ready. Hopefully it arrives for you pre-aeration time. 

Wait. This is off topic and maybe showing my naivety, but by the first week of September some of your golf seasons are winding down?

[driveandputtmachine]

Everyone can offer why or why not a LAB may be good, the thing is many people on here do not know a thing about you other than what is shown on the forum.  So many take it as trying to justify the big purchase and for maybe some that is it.

 

I may be a smidge different.  Some know and probably quite a few that don't but I owned Sunset Beach Custom Putters.  We had a win with Kevin Kisner, had numerous pros playing our putters throughout the years.  I started the company in 2005 with LaMont in AZ, the guy from Mannkrafted.  I was in my late 20's early 30's when our putters were flying off the "shelves".

 

I putted with an "Anser" style or blade putter for years and years.  I saw the lines, and could hit my lines.  This username was absolutely the truth, I putted amazingly up until I hit about 45-46(I am 49 now).  Is it my eyesight(could be it has gone downhill), or it could be that and piles of other things all adding up.  I absolutely had trouble on putts from 8 feet and in.  Putts that I felt I was absolutely gonna make I started to worry and fret over.  The Jailbird "Rickie" special worked after the Mezz I tried made my mid-range worse.  Then I got a DF3, and voila, my midrange was still good, my inside 8 feet were great, and my LAG was OK, and just worked on a few things to clean up.

 

Now did I need the LAB because my putting had gotten bad?  Yep, I was always one of the best putters I knew and when that started going downhill I needed to fix it.  The LAB absolutely did that for me.

[me05501]

2 hours ago, Rbsiedsc said:

cool look into the build process

 

 

 

Neat video. 

 

Part of me is wondering whether there must be more to the balancing process.

 

Another part of me thinks it may just not be all that difficult to do once the formula has been established. 

 

Finally, I am really suspicious that the slow delivery times are part of a strategy of engineered scarcity. You see this in a lot of boutique shops where they absolutely could ramp up production but they realize it would crater the retail and resale prices. 

[driveandputtmachine]

6 minutes ago, me05501 said:

 

 

Neat video. 

 

Part of me is wondering whether there must be more to the balancing process.

 

Another part of me thinks it may just not be all that difficult to do once the formula has been established. 

 

Finally, I am really suspicious that the slow delivery times are part of a strategy of engineered scarcity. You see this in a lot of boutique shops where they absolutely could ramp up production but they realize it would crater the retail and resale prices. 

I would imagine they have a lists of headweights, grips and shafts and where you should start for every iteration.  Then it only takes minor tweaks to get the rest of the way there. 

[Red4282]

52 minutes ago, driveandputtmachine said:

Everyone can offer why or why not a LAB may be good, the thing is many people on here do not know a thing about you other than what is shown on the forum.  So many take it as trying to justify the big purchase and for maybe some that is it.

 

I may be a smidge different.  Some know and probably quite a few that don't but I owned Sunset Beach Custom Putters.  We had a win with Kevin Kisner, had numerous pros playing our putters throughout the years.  I started the company in 2005 with LaMont in AZ, the guy from Mannkrafted.  I was in my late 20's early 30's when our putters were flying off the "shelves".

 

I putted with an "Anser" style or blade putter for years and years.  I saw the lines, and could hit my lines.  This username was absolutely the truth, I putted amazingly up until I hit about 45-46(I am 49 now).  Is it my eyesight(could be it has gone downhill), or it could be that and piles of other things all adding up.  I absolutely had trouble on putts from 8 feet and in.  Putts that I felt I was absolutely gonna make I started to worry and fret over.  The Jailbird "Rickie" special worked after the Mezz I tried made my mid-range worse.  Then I got a DF3, and voila, my midrange was still good, my inside 8 feet were great, and my LAG was OK, and just worked on a few things to clean up.

 

Now did I need the LAB because my putting had gotten bad?  Yep, I was always one of the best putters I knew and when that started going downhill I needed to fix it.  The LAB absolutely did that for me.

Interesting post, thanks for sharing. Its been said many times before you dont just buy a lab and viola. Getting the right head and alignment combo makes a pretty big difference as well as for some, ball position. I thought this video below was very interesting and made a good point about hitting slightly “up” on the ball. For me that feel really syncs up nice and am hitting my lines great.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gCCc4zqjgSQ&t=618s&pp=2AHqBJACAQ%3D%3D

[driveandputtmachine]

I can say this without reservation, I have a 38 or 39" OZ1.i and it has zero shaft lean, and I cannot get it to work.  It is streaky and the same setup does not work for it that works for the DF3.  I should have gotten one with shaft lean as well.

 

Now I just gotta either sell it or find someone with a shaft lean that wants to trade.

[TRheezy]

Does anybody know how much the TPT shaft weighs?

[ChaosTheory]

I own two LABs and they help me putt a lot better.  But I've seen LABs fail for others, so I think it's good to be skeptical.  That said, the JJ Spaun win will definitely drive more acceptance of the brand among avid golfers.  Especially because it is so obviously unique and new-tech.  More people will decide that they have to find out for themselves.  I don't know anyone who doesn't think they should make more putts than they do.

 

 

 

 

[JAM01]

Ok - glad I grabbed one a week ago. I expect a run on these now. I had one when they first came out out and see fit into a 36 inch. Didn’t work. This time I got a quicky fitting into a 34 and with very limited time, it’s much better for me. 34 inch, 1.5 press grip. Steel shaft. 

[SwingBlade]

On 6/16/2025 at 12:46 PM, RavishingRhett said:

I’m not a LAB hater, I’m also not one of their apostles like so many on here are, but it is a huge accomplishment for their club to be used to win any major, let alone a US Open, which is always an impressive feat even when it isn’t at Oakmont. 
 

what I think is fascinating about this whole situation is whenever someone says something negative about the company there is such an emotional response from the “True Believers”. It’s like you’re not attacking this company that they purchased something from, you’re attacking them. 

First, I believe I understand where you are coming from and I actually agree.  I would only ask that you consider that the motivations you ascribe to me are not what motivated my previous post.  I could absolutely care less whether one of the LABs does or doesn't work for any player or whether or not a different OEMs ZT works for them.  
 

What I do reject and will criticize is when someone intentionally attacks any quality OEM with innuendo and false or uniformed facts to serve their own personal agendas.  
 

But, an even more serious line is crossed when such conduct sometimes further escalates and  becomes blatantly disrespectful and unacceptable behavior towards such OEMs or their products with the apparent intent of harming that OEM or their product(s).  That level of misconduct is highlighted when the errors are pointed out and the response then amounts to doubling down rather than correcting the behavior. 

Of late, some of such conduct is simply pointed at zero torque tech, but, more often it is specifically targeting LAB ZT products.   Phrases like "BS", "smoke and mirrors", "hocus pocus", or "cultism" are often used.  
 

I understand that as of October 2024, LAB market share exceeded that of Bettinardi, Cobra, Evnroll, Mizuno and SeeMore combined.   I understand that more currently, LABs market share has surpassed that of Ping and is only exceeded by Odyssey, Titleist, and Taylormade.  
 

On those stats, saying that LAB risks operating on a false GOAT bounce after this Open victory and shouldn't dangerously expand hiring and production is ludicrous.  
 

Similarly, saying that this momentary post-U.S. Open enthusiasm for LAB ZT putters will  evaporate in two months and that such putters purchased now will be selling in August for "a dime a dozen on Buy-Sell-Trade", is not based on fact and appears to cross the line ... in my opinion.  
 

We could further note that very shortly almost every OEM will have at least one competing zero torque putter.  We could also note that Brian Harman (Open Champion and U.S. Open runner-up) just won at Valero using a brand new TM Spider 5K-ZT prototype.  
 

But, those facts also highlight the oft heard dismissive statements on here that pros using ZT putters are just old players having problems and who are just clutching at ZT straws trying to somehow regain a degree of relevance.  

As far as being a LAB "True Believer",  I have repeatedly praised both LAB tech and Zero Torque technology in general and have said that ZT will not work optimally for every golfer.  I also still have a number of SC CT & retail putters and still practice with my Original Bullseye putter.  I have also recently praised the TM 5K-ZT CB putter and the JailBird ZT putter.   I bought my wife a JailBird ZT and have recommended it to other friends.   

Edited June 17 by SwingBlade

[A.Princey]

13 hours ago, RavishingRhett said:

Wait. This is off topic and maybe showing my naivety, but by the first week of September some of your golf seasons are winding down?

Not exactly, but aeration and leaf/acorn litter everywhere make it a little less enjoyable. Also, I’m a huge hunting nut, so it really starts to take precedence for me.

Edited June 18 by A.Princey

[StoutKing]

4 hours ago, TRheezy said:

Does anybody know how much the TPT shaft weighs?

I can tell you it's 20g heavier than standard steel.

[Byrdman2230]

LAB isn't for me, but I don't have anything against them. What I do find off-putting is asinine comments like this:

 

According to L.A.B. Tour rep Joe Miera: "What’s great about these putters is that you don’t have to worry about your stroke, you just have to worry about the line and speed".

 

This is completely absurd. Don't tell me that I can put any garbage stroke on this putter and it doesn't matter.

[Red4282]

3 hours ago, Byrdman2230 said:

LAB isn't for me, but I don't have anything against them. What I do find off-putting is asinine comments like this:

 

According to L.A.B. Tour rep Joe Miera: "What’s great about these putters is that you don’t have to worry about your stroke, you just have to worry about the line and speed".

 

This is completely absurd. Don't tell me that I can put any garbage stroke on this putter and it doesn't matter.

Pretty sure he is not saying you can out a garbage stroke on it and it wont matter. 

[StoutKing]

3 hours ago, Byrdman2230 said:

LAB isn't for me, but I don't have anything against them. What I do find off-putting is asinine comments like this:

 

According to L.A.B. Tour rep Joe Miera: "What’s great about these putters is that you don’t have to worry about your stroke, you just have to worry about the line and speed".

 

This is completely absurd. Don't tell me that I can put any garbage stroke on this putter and it doesn't matter.

Fair point.  What I think he meant is you don't have to manipulate the club head square.  That being said line and speed are always most important.

[Byrdman2230]

43 minutes ago, Red4282 said:

Pretty sure he is not saying you can out a garbage stroke on it and it wont matter. 

The “garbage” comment was my point of emphasis, but to say you don’t have to worry about your stroke strikes me as yet another golf company making over the top marketing claims. But that’s just me. 

[Red4282]

1 hour ago, Byrdman2230 said:

The “garbage” comment was my point of emphasis, but to say you don’t have to worry about your stroke strikes me as yet another golf company making over the top marketing claims. But that’s just me. 

Its a little bit of sensationalism for sure but what he is meaning is, when you can eliminate face variance, thats just one less thing to have to worry about. Ive said time and time again, with traditional putters, there are many instances where I have no idea if i pushed or pulled a putt or misread it. Thats not a great place to be. With my LAB, If I miss something I pretty much know it was just a misread. 

[CPT_LHR_ATL]

Was at the Golf Galaxy in Buckhead today picking up some new wedges. On impulse, I checked out the LAB section by the putting green. Not a single DF3 left in stock -- plenty of all the other models. Golfers have a lot of recency bias I guess?

 

🤷‍♂️

[SwingBlade]

14 hours ago, Byrdman2230 said:

LAB isn't for me, but I don't have anything against them. What I do find off-putting is asinine comments like this:

 

According to L.A.B. Tour rep Joe Miera: "What’s great about these putters is that you don’t have to worry about your stroke, you just have to worry about the line and speed".

 

This is completely absurd. Don't tell me that I can put any garbage stroke on this putter and it doesn't matter.

 

LABs may indeed not be for you and that's certainly important to recognize.  But, it's equally important  to understand that what Joe Miera said is spot on.  That is precisely what a quality properly fitted zero torque putter is designed to accomplish.  And no, as we all know, that doesn't mean that any club on earth can function with either an intentional garbage swing or an incompetent swing.   A very relaxed pendulum swing employing an equally relaxed grip with zero physical release is both required and rewarded.   

[Byrdman2230]

10 hours ago, SwingBlade said:

 

LABs may indeed not be for you and that's certainly important to recognize.  But, it's equally important  to understand that what Joe Miera said is spot on.  That is precisely what a quality properly fitted zero torque putter is designed to accomplish.  And no, as we all know, that doesn't mean that any club on earth can function with either an intentional garbage swing or an incompetent swing.   A very relaxed pendulum swing employing an equally relaxed grip with zero physical release is both required and rewarded.   

And then you have to live in reality where the vast majority of golfers can't achieve what I bolded above. They don't have a consistent and repeatable stroke. Maybe this is meant for tour players or top level amateurs, but to promote your product by saying you don't have to worry about your stroke, just isn't true. I'm not a LAB hater and if it helps some people putt better, then great! I just took issue with what I perceived as over the top marketing claims that were emphasized and bolded on this website.

[StoutKing]

2 hours ago, Byrdman2230 said:

And then you have to live in reality where the vast majority of golfers can't achieve what I bolded above. They don't have a consistent and repeatable stroke. Maybe this is meant for tour players or top level amateurs, but to promote your product by saying you don't have to worry about your stroke, just isn't true. I'm not a LAB hater and if it helps some people putt better, then great! I just took issue with what I perceived as over the top marketing claims that were emphasized and bolded on this website.

I have about 35 putters.  Crazy I know.  It's much easier to stroke a LAB because it removes the tension from your arms and hands.  You no longer have to control the face.

[dmbolp]

Homepage updated:

 

 

[SwingBlade]

12 hours ago, SwingBlade said:

 

LABs may indeed not be for you and that's certainly important to recognize.  But, it's equally important  to understand that what Joe Miera said is spot on.  That is precisely what a quality properly fitted zero torque putter is designed to accomplish.  And no, as we all know, that doesn't mean that any club on earth can function with either an intentional garbage swing or an incompetent swing.   A very relaxed pendulum swing employing an equally relaxed grip with zero physical release is both required and rewarded.   

 

2 hours ago, Byrdman2230 said:

And then you have to live in reality where the vast majority of golfers can't achieve what I bolded above. They don't have a consistent and repeatable stroke. Maybe this is meant for tour players or top level amateurs, but to promote your product by saying you don't have to worry about your stroke, just isn't true. I'm not a LAB hater and if it helps some people putt better, then great! I just took issue with what I perceived as over the top marketing claims that were emphasized and bolded on this website.

Actually, I'm afraid it is not those players employing zero torque technology who are ignoring "reality."   Also, most of us who have actual "real world" experience switching from a more traditional putter "release" to the new ZT "zero release" probably have a better understanding of how difficult it is or isn't to accomplish such change.  In that vein, almost all of the negatives you ascribe to ZT putters are literally the complete opposite of "reality."   
 

First, in reality, it is often the "tour players or top level amateurs" you mentioned who require the most time to switch from their very deeply ingrained traditional putter release.  Second, any level of golfer is completely capable of fairly quickly assimilating such levels of change.  Third, the zero release swing is actually easier for most amateur golfers to accomplish than the more complex nuances of the release required for traditional putters with varying degrees of toe hang and shafting.    Fourth, the term "worry" is more applicable to traditional putting.  It is the term "trust" that is more often associated with ZT putting.  
 

A first putt that runs 4 feet past the hole is the very frequent source of worry or tension with a traditional release putter.  We've all been there.  It's a great relief if we finally stroke it in the hole without choking it or jabbing it  from the tension largely created by our worried playing partners as well as ourselves.  

In contrast, new  ZT users often memorably experience a moment of "trust" fairly early on where they suddenly, almost surprisingly, realize that they are much more relaxed, confident, and free of tension on those 3 to 5 foot "chokers."   The fundamental value added nature of zero torque putting doesn't come from making many more 15 or 20 or 30 footers.   It comes from making putts under 3-5 feet much more routine thereby minimizing the dreaded 3 putts or 4 putts because holding the start aim line is more routine allowing better focus on distance.  Ever heard someone say they were focusing so much on the line that they missed on the distance or vice versa?
 

Lastly, all of the now many different OEM ZT putters employ similar fundamental ZT technologies, albeit with sometimes significant design nuances, but, all require the same zero release swing technique for optimization.  So, maybe we should perhaps use industry terms like zero torque technology in these broad discussions instead of constantly making L.A.B. the whipping boy or scapegoat for all generic zero torque issues.  

[RavishingRhett]

On 6/17/2025 at 3:45 PM, A.Princey said:

Not exactly, but aeration and leaf/acorn litter everywhere make it a little less enjoyable. Also, I’m a huge hunting nut, so it really starts to take precedence for me.

I get that. I was born and raised in LA so the idea of a golfing season at all if always foreign to me, but my dad is from Virginia and retired to South Carolina and got super into Bow hunting so I feel ya