A few months ago, L.A.B. Golf was still flying under the radar—known mostly by gear-heads and putting purists who didn’t mind wielding a putter that looked like it belonged in a sci-fi movie. But fast forward to J.J. Spaun draining a 64-footer at the U.S. Open with a L.A.B. putter in hand, and everything changed.
That viral moment didn’t just send shockwaves through the golf world—it also caught the attention of private equity.
L Catterton, the investment firm backed by luxury powerhouse LVMH, just acquired a majority stake in L.A.B. Golf in a deal reportedly valued north of $200 million. Not bad for a company that literally started in a trailer, with founder Bill Presse selling putters out of the back of his car.
L.A.B.—short for “Lie Angle Balance”—has been steadily growing a cult following among golfers who swear by its torque-free technology. In simple terms: these putters are designed to stay square through the stroke, reducing the chances of twisting the face and missing those maddening three-footers.
Of course, that same balance-focused tech is what gives L.A.B. putters their unmistakable look. They’ve got weight screws of all different sizes built into the bottom—and while they might not win any beauty contests, more and more pros are adding them to the bag. On any given PGA Tour weekend, you’ll now find about a dozen players rolling with a L.A.B.
And with Spaun’s highlight-reel putt as a calling card, demand has skyrocketed. L.A.B. sold roughly 130,000 putters last year, and they’re on pace to triple that in 2025.
They’re not exactly bargain bin either—prices start around $399 and can climb north of $1,000 with customizations. But for players looking to take the putter yips out of the equation, it’s a price many are willing to pay.
L Catterton is no stranger to lifestyle and luxury investments—they’ve backed brands like Birkenstock, Restoration Hardware, Peloton, and Flexjet. So picking up a golf brand that’s grown organically and has real tech behind it fits their portfolio perfectly.
Word is, L.A.B. CEO Sam Hahn is staying on board, which probably means they’re planning to keep the company’s quirky charm intact—even as they scale.
Bottom line: if you haven’t heard of L.A.B. Golf yet, you will. The putter that started in a trailer just became golf’s next $200 million success story.