The $200 Million Swing: L.A.B. Golf’s Rise from Garage Startup to Industry Giant… Read more…
By Global Golf Business Desk | July 29, 2025
In the world of golf equipment, few stories are as unexpected—and as revolutionary—as that of L.A.B. Golf, the Oregon-based company that built a cult following by doing what most equipment manufacturers would never dare: reimagine the putter from scratch.
Now, in a landmark moment for the golf industry, L.A.B. Golf has been acquired by a private equity group in a deal reportedly worth $200 million—a stunning figure for a niche company that just five years ago was making clubs by hand in a converted garage.
While the buyer remains unnamed for now, sources close to the deal describe the acquisition as a “strategic leap” aimed at scaling L.A.B. Golf globally. For golfers, gear nerds, and business analysts alike, the purchase signals something deeper: the arrival of a new era in how golfers approach putting—and what they expect from their gear.
A Company Born from Frustration
L.A.B.—short for Lie Angle Balance—was founded by engineer and former aerospace consultant Sam Hahn in 2018. His frustration with traditional putters, which twist open at impact unless perfectly controlled, led him to a radical idea: design a putter that stays square to the path, no matter what.
The result was the Directed Force 2.1, a putter with an unmistakable spaceship-like design and a stroke-stabilizing balance unlike anything on the market.
It looked odd. It felt different. But it worked—and early adopters raved.
From there, Hahn and his small team refined the science, created more streamlined designs (like the B.2 and Mezz.1 models), and began to win over professionals and amateurs alike.
Today, L.A.B. Golf sells more than 130,000 putters annually, with a loyal user base that includes players on the PGA Tour, LPGA, Korn Ferry Tour, and amateur circuits.
Why Private Equity Came Calling
In a crowded equipment industry dominated by giants like Titleist, TaylorMade, and Callaway, L.A.B. Golf has done something rare: carved out a tech-driven, premium category that commands both performance respect and pricing power.
“We’re not trying to make the most clubs,” Hahn said in a 2023 interview. “We’re trying to make the clubs that work best for your stroke.”
Their unique tech—based on the principle of Lie Angle Balance—eliminates torque during the putting stroke, helping golfers keep the face square without manipulation. The company claims this leads to better distance control and fewer three-putts.
That technology, combined with strong word-of-mouth and viral marketing (including high-profile YouTube tests and testimonials), helped L.A.B. achieve a compound annual growth rate of over 65% since 2020.
By 2025, private equity investors took notice.
“This is not just a putter company—it’s a technology company inside a golf wrapper,” said one investment firm insider familiar with the deal. “The margins are strong. The product is sticky. And there’s international growth waiting to happen.”
What the Deal Includes
According to multiple reports, the $200 million deal includes:
- All intellectual property (including patents for Lie Angle Balance technology)
- Manufacturing rights in the U.S. and abroad
- A majority stake in R&D and fitting facilities
- E-commerce and retail infrastructure for scaling distribution
Co-founder Sam Hahn is expected to stay on in an advisory role, though he is reportedly stepping down as CEO to allow a “more global-focused leadership structure” to take shape.
Also included in the acquisition is L.A.B.’s proprietary fitting software, which is a critical part of its value. The brand prides itself on custom fitting for each customer’s unique putting stroke, often using remote video and AI-based fitting tools.
Pros React: Respect for Innovation
News of the deal rippled through the professional circuits on Monday, with several PGA and LPGA pros praising the company’s innovation.
Adam Scott, one of the earliest adopters of L.A.B. Golf putters on Tour, posted:
“Congrats to Sam and the team. These putters changed the way I see the game inside 10 feet.”
LPGA winner Ally Ewing, also a longtime user of L.A.B. gear, told Golf Digest:
“Their team took the time to build something for me. You don’t get that from the big brands. It’s exciting to see them get this recognition.”
The Bigger Picture: Customization Is King
The acquisition is more than just a big number—it reflects a larger shift in the golf equipment landscape, where custom fitting, niche tech, and data-driven design are replacing brand loyalty and tradition.
Golfers today are more educated than ever. They track their strokes gained. They test gear with launch monitors. They watch gear reviews on YouTube instead of relying on TV ads. And increasingly, they want products tailored to their games—not just the Tour’s.
L.A.B. Golf was ahead of the curve. Now, they’re poised to become a mainstream powerhouse without compromising their boutique roots.
What Comes Next?
Industry insiders expect major expansions in three key areas:
- Retail Presence: L.A.B. Golf currently sells mostly direct-to-consumer and via small pro shops. That could change with a retail rollout into stores like PGA Tour Superstore and Golf Galaxy.
- Global Market Penetration: Especially in Asia and Europe, where amateur golf is exploding and demand for premium gear is rising.
- Technology Licensing: Some analysts speculate the new ownership group may license Lie Angle Balance tech to other putter brands or even launch new L.A.B.-branded clubs in other categories like wedges or irons.
L.A.B. Golf has publicly stated it will continue producing its clubs in the U.S. and retain the same “craftsmanship-first” ethos that made it successful in the first place.
Conclusion: Disruption Meets Validation
In an era when many golf startups flame out or get absorbed quietly, L.A.B. Golf’s story stands as a beacon for entrepreneurs and gear junkies alike. The company disrupted an old, conservative category with bold design, strong science, and a commitment to performance. Now, with a massive capital infusion and global expansion on the horizon, it’s preparing to lead the next generation of golf gear innovation.
For golfers who believe putting is an art—and science—this is a moment worth celebrating.
Tags: L.A.B. Golf, Putter Innovation, Golf Tech, Golf Business News, Private Equity, Equipment Acquisition, Golf Fitting, Lie Angle Balance, Sam Hahn, Golf Industry 2025
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