A wicked new putter from L.A.B. Golf

L.A.B. Golf announces their new OZ.1 and OZ.1i putter models. The OZ.1i is the first L.A.B. Golf putter with an insert. The OZ.1i will be available in December with the OZ.1 following in January.

Let’s get something out of the way. The release of the L.A.B. Golf OZ1.1 and OZ.1i has nothing to do with the release of Wicked in theaters this week. I’m sure L.A.B. Golf doesn’t mind the publicity generated by the unintentional crossover but neither Munchkins nor flying monkeys were involved in the production of these putters.

Yes, that does make me a little sad. Don’t worry. I’ll be sure not to rust myself.

Instead, the inspiration for the new L.A.B. Golf OZ head design came from the wickedly handsome and very Australian golfer Adam Scott.

Scott made the switch to a L.A.B. Golf long putter in 2023. Since then, he has collaborated with the team at L.A.B. to come up with the putter you are looking at today.

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

What is this, a man or a melon?

The new OZ head shape is by no means a classic putter shape but this type of atypical architecture is exactly what golfers have come to expect from L.A.B. Golf. The golfing consumer knows these unusual designs pack a performance punch.

Once, we could have dismissed this design as a “plate on a pole” but we, the golfing public, know L.A.B. Golf’s madness contains magic. Just because the horse is a different color doesn’t mean it can’t gallop.

Insert insert here

The L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 has all of the angles and edges we expect an L.A.B. Golf putter to have but it also has an unexpected stainless steel face insert. The insert inclusion is a first for a L.A.B. Golf putter.

Outside of the insert, the OZ.1 and OZ.1i are built to the same specifications. Choosing the face configuration boils down to personal need.

Are you struggling with putts coming up short? Perhaps that extra pop-pop of stainless steel will provide the heat you need to hit the hole. If you want something softer, go with the classic aluminum version.

0° press shaft option? Oh my!

In addition to the insert, I was surprised by another new OZ option. You can build a version of either the OZ.1 or OZ.1i without the built-in forward press. The L.A.B. Rats out there know this is a big deal. L.A.B. putters always have forward press and their specialized Press Grips.

For the OZ.1 and OZ.1i, you can go with a zero-degree/vertical shaft lean option that will then be compatible with standard grips. The typical two-degree lean and Press Grip will be there as well but the fact that there is a vertical option is a big change.

Like I said, this surprised me. Next you will be telling me L.A.B. Golf is making a putter that is not Lie Angle Balanced. 

Adam Scott Limited Edition OZ.1 Version

To celebrate their collaboration, L.A.B. Golf is releasing a limited-edition version of the OZ.1: Emerald Kingdom green with a geometric POLY ROO exclusive design on the sole. 

The packaging features 32 L.A.B. Golf logos to celebrate Scott’s PGA Tour victories. A Seamus Golf sheep wool-lined headcover will keep the putter warm in your bag this winter.

This version is available now at labgolf.com with MSRP of $1,750.

Release schedule for OZ.1 and OZ.1i

As I mentioned, the Adam Scott version of the OZ.1 is available now. Though specific dates have not been announced, the standard and custom versions of the OZ.1i will go on sale in December at MSRP of $499 for stock and $599 for custom. The non-insert standard and custom OZ.1 models will follow in January. Pricing has not yet been released for these but it should be similar to that of the OZ.1.

Final thoughts on the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 and OZ.1i

Many of you (and your little dogs, too) likely have questions about the OZ putters. I do as well. What is the difference in feel between the new stainless steel insert and the aluminum model? How does a zero-degree shaft position change how the putter plays? Who is the hotter Australian, Adam Scott or Hugh Jackman?

Outside of the last question, Hugh Jackman, I don’t have answers for you. I expect we will learn more about these in the coming months. Hopefully, I can get you some firsthand data about the difference in feel, the play effect of the shaft lean change and the custom options.

As we’ve seen already, 2025 is going to be the year where other companies try to snatch the zero-torque ruby slippers from L.A.B. Golf. The OZ line shows us L.A.B. Golf is still striving to be great and powerful in the putter kingdom and that you had better pay attention to the man behind the curtain.

Think deep thoughts and learn more about the OZ putters at labgolf.com 

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