Zero Torque Putters Are Now Mainstream... The Craze Is Heating Up

Lapgolf Leads the Craze, Weekend Golfers Rush to Buy
Harman, Spaun, Hyo Joo Kim, Arim Kim, Haeran Yu Claim Victories
Reduced Face Rotation Enables a Comfortable Stroke
Ping Golf Joins the Market, Titleist Offers Onset Models

It's a zero fever. Following last year's broomstick putter craze, this year the zero torque putter is gaining popularity.

Torque refers to the force that rotates the putter head around the shaft axis. Unlike conventional putters, the zero torque putter positions the shaft connection point directly above the center of gravity, helping the face stay square without twisting. Since it ensures straight-line performance, golfers can focus solely on making clean and smooth strokes. The zero torque putter is highly regarded for its stability, forgiveness, consistency, and distance control. With various models available, golfers can choose one that best compensates for their weaknesses.

J.J. Spon won the major tournament US Open using the Labgolf DF3 putter. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Labgolf, a putter manufacturer, is leading the zero torque trend. The company first introduced its product in 2018. Although it initially had little presence, this year tour players have delivered victories using it, making it highly popular among weekend golfers as well. Labgolf recently launched the OZ.1, featuring a simple design. This move demonstrates its commitment to maintaining leadership in the emerging zero torque putter market.

June marked a turning point for Labgolf when J.J. Spaun (USA) made headlines by winning the major tournament US Open. Using the DF3, he sank a nearly 20-meter putt on the final 18th hole (par 4) with a Labgolf putter to secure victory. After this, demand for zero torque putters surged dramatically. Labgolf began selling zero torque putters in Korea one year ago. The brand's flagship store is so popular that there are no available slots for trial sessions or fittings.

Korean players have also benefited from zero torque putters. In March, Hyo Joo Kim put Labgolf's Mezz.1 in her caddie bag for the LPGA Tour Ford Championship. This line is notable for its structural design that minimizes rotation of the putter face. She achieved her seventh career win, her first in one year and five months since the 2023 Ascendant LPGA. Immediately after her win, she said, "I used a new putter. Thanks to a good putting stroke, I was able to win."

A Lim Kim also used the Mezz.1. At the LPGA Tour season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in February, she played with a different version of Labgolf's Mezz.1 putter, showcasing outstanding green play. Her average number of putts per hole during the tournament was 1.55. She claimed her third career LPGA Tour victory in just three months since the Lotte Championship in November last year. A Lim Kim expressed her satisfaction with the new equipment, saying, "A crucial birdie putt in the final stretch helped me start the new season on a positive note."

Other equipment makers are also actively investing in zero torque putters. TaylorMade found success with the Spider ZT. In April, Brian Harman (USA) claimed victory at the PGA Tour Valero Texas Open using the TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT. In May, Hae Ran Ryu won the LPGA Tour Black Desert Championship. During this tournament, her average number of putts per hole when hitting the green was only 1.5, demonstrating flawless putting.

Brian Harman collected the winner's trophy at the Texas Open with the TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT putter. Photo by AFP News Agency

The mallet-style TaylorMade Spider ZT incorporates feedback from tour players. Its Milled True Path Alignment allows for easy and accurate aiming. Hae Ran Ryu explained, "My putting had been a bit disappointing, but with the ZT putter, the head face doesn't open up, and my address feels more comfortable than before." She added, "The appearance and design are similar to the Spider putter I previously used, so it feels familiar. I'm glad I made the switch," she said with a bright smile.

Recently, Ping Golf, a legendary putter brand, has entered the zero torque putter market. Ping Golf is known for manufacturing the Anser model, the best-selling putter in history. Now, it has introduced the Alley Blue Onset, equipped with zero torque functionality. This model features an onset shaft positioned in front of the center of gravity, maximizing face control while minimizing backspin.

Ping Golf has released the Alley Blue Onset, which has a shape similar to the Zero Torque putter. Ping Golf

Although the Alley Blue Onset resembles typical zero torque putters in appearance, its approach to balance is somewhat different. Only fewer than 100 units are produced, mainly targeting the brand's dedicated fans. Despite being a very limited release, if the response is strong, the company may consider expanding the market.

Titleist does not sell zero torque putters to the public, but it is known to provide onset-type models exclusively to tour players who need them. Companies like Callaway Odyssey are also making efforts to increase sales of zero torque putters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.