Putter game goes torque-free

Zero torque putters are all the rage in golf. Since LAB Golf entered the mainstream two years ago, other manufacturers have followed suit with their twist-resistant putters.

The Tech

“I first learned about zero-torque putters and LAB Golf through YouTube.” They first came out with the — admittedly ugly, at least for me — DF putter. This alien-looking thing was someone else’s design, which LAB bought and rebranded. So, how does it work?

In a nutshell, the putter stays square throughout the swing through lie-angle balancing. Instead of the putter naturally opening or closing due to the weight bias (heel or toe weights, face balanced), the lie angle balanced putters are designed to not twist during the swing.

As aptly demonstrated by LAB Golf, they hook putter upon putter to a swing contraption called “The Revealer” and show putters spinning as soon as the contraption is swung back.

The technology is designed to keep the putter face square throughout the stroke, without requiring any manipulation.

Unlike traditional putters that require hand control to stay square, lie-angle balanced putters are designed to remain square on their own.

Does it work?

In principle, it should. Of course, we can still twist and manipulate the putter, no matter the balancing.

Critics argue that lie angle balancing only works when the ball is struck from the center of the face. Off-center strikes will still twist the putter open and close. But like in every other club in the bag, we all need all the help we can get.

Zero Torque from everybody

The success of LAB, especially with their putter being used by professionals and elite amateurs is undeniable.

The popularity of LAB putters peaked at the US Open, where JJ Spaun used one to win — and did it in style. The putt he holed on the 72nd hole was priceless marketing for LAB Golf.

Of course, with success comes competition. Center-shafted putters have always been part of the line-up of every manufacturer.

Now, it seems everyone is jumping on the zero-torque bandwagon.

In addition to LAB models like the DF 3, Mezz, and Oz, zero-torque putters are now available from Taylormade, Odyssey, Bettinardi, EvnRoll, and PXG. I am sure more are on the way.

Is it for you or me?

Putting is highly subjective and largely dependent on preference.

Some golfers prefer blades, while others favor mallets. Great putters often stick with trusted classics like the 8802, an old Anser-style putter, or a vintage Odyssey Two-Ball. But it is also undeniable that a large majority struggle on the greens.

Just like the eternal search for an extra 5 yards of carry, finding the right putter is an endless pursuit for many.

I am partial to center-shafted mallets. My current putter is a center-shafted SeeMore Giant FGP putter.

My previous putters were a Ping B90 long putter, an Odyssey two-ball CS, a Scotty Cameron center-shafted Red X putter, and so on.

So the lie-angle balanced models are right up my alley. I like the LAB Oz model.

Whether I will pull the trigger, and if I’ll go short or long version is to be determined still.