$200M Acquisition Fuels Surge in Lab Putters Demand and Market Dominance
In the past few years, golf has seen a wave of innovation. One name that keeps popping up is LAB Golf. Known for its high-tech, balanced putters, LAB Golf is changing the way we think about putting. And now, the game has completely changed. The company was just acquired in a massive $200 million deal.
Why does this matter? Because this isn’t just about money, it’s about growth, power, and trust in technology. We’re seeing golfers, from casual players to pros, switching to LAB putters at a rapid pace. Their unique Lie Angle Balance design offers better control, less wrist movement, and more confidence on the green.
This article explores how this major acquisition is fueling demand, pushing LAB Golf into a leading position in the market, and what it means for the future of golf gear.
Background on L.A.B. Golf
L.A.B. stands for Lie Angle Balance. The company started around 2018 when founder Bill Presse and CEO Sam Hahn teamed up. Bill had already built putters in a trailer before Hahn joined forces. They aimed to fix a common problem in putting: torque, twisting the club head.
Their design uses variable-weight screws in the head to create perfect balance and keep the face square through impact. Since then, major PGA Tour players like Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover, and Will Zalatoris began using L.A.B. putters regularly.
Details of the $200 Million Acquisition
In late July 2025, private equity firm L Catterton, backed by luxury giant LVMH, bought a majority stake in L.A.B. Golf. The deal valued the company at over $200 million. It is one of the biggest investments in golf gear since Callaway acquired Odyssey in 1997. Sam Hahn will stay on as CEO, and the founder, Bill Press, remains active in innovation.
Market Reaction and Immediate Impact
When J.J. Spaun holstered a 64-foot putt to win the U.S. Open using an L.A.B. putter, the brand exploded in popularity. That win was widely watched and drove major buzz across golf fans and online communities.
After that spotlight, L.A.B. sold around 130,000 putters in 2024. Sales are expected to nearly triple by the end of 2025 to around 400,000 units. We saw more interest from casual players, pros, and custom fitters almost overnight.
Growth in Demand: What’s Driving It?
The surge in demand comes down to proven tech plus media visibility. The Lie Angle Balance system reduces wrist torque and helps keep the putter face square. This improves accuracy and confidence on every putt. Spaun’s U.S. Open victory served as a powerful validation of the design for many golfers and reviewers alike.
At the same time, L.A.B. began adding more professional endorsements and customized marketing to reach mid‑price and premium buyers. This timing, plus strong word‑of‑mouth, fueled rapid adoption.
L.A.B.’s Competitive Advantage
Compared to brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, and Ping, L.A.B. focuses on self‑balancing and zero‑torque design. Their putters may look strange, but the tech behind them offers real benefits to many players. Each club carries specific weight screws calibrated to exact gram values. This precision build reduces twisting, which many users say helps them roll better putts and stay more consistent. And pros who switch keep using them, which adds credibility among app users and custom-fit services.
Market Dominance and Future Roadmap
L.A.B. plans to scale manufacturing and open more distribution channels with new funding. Analysts expect annual sales to grow from 130,000 units in 2024 to roughly 400,000 by late 2025.
The brand currently sells putters ranging from $399 to over $1,000 with upgrades. Lab Putters aims to launch new models and offer more custom-fitting services with more capital. They may also expand internationally and enter the pro shop retail space.
Lab Putters: Industry Implications
This acquisition sends a clear message. Tech‑led niche brands can dominate performance gear. Competitors like Callaway, Odyssey, Bettinardi, Ping, TaylorMade, and PXG face pressure to innovate faster or risk losing share in higher‑end putter markets.
The global putter market is already growing at nearly 4-5% annually, expected to climb from about $3.5 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion by 2034. L.A.B.’s rise shows how specialized technology plus smart promotion can win a big slice of that growth. We may see more M&A activity in golf gear and innovation battles in zero‑torque designs.
Final Thoughts
L.A.B. Golf is now a major player in high‑end putting. We see a tech startup turned tour favorite. With backing from L Catterton and LVMH, the brand has the runway to reach four hundred thousand unit sales. The acquisition underscores how smart design, validation from pro wins, and strategic investment can shift a niche down the fairway toward market dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
L.A.B. putters use special balancing to stop the head from twisting. This helps the putter face stay straight, making it easier to hit better and more accurate putts.
No, anyone can use them. They are helpful for beginners and pros because the design gives more control and makes putting feel smoother and easier.
Investors saw strong sales and new technology. The putters are popular, and many golfers love them. They believe the brand will grow fast and lead the market.
Disclaimer:
This is for information only, not financial advice. Always do your research.