L.A.B. Golf, a once-niche golf putter company known for its unorthodox designs and cult following, has sold a majority stake to private equity powerhouse L Catterton, valuing the Oregon-based brand at over $200 million. The acquisition positions L.A.B. for aggressive expansion and marks a major endorsement of its cutting-edge “Lie Angle Balance” technology.
Backed by LVMH, L Catterton specializes in consumer brands with strong identity and growth potential. Their portfolio includes household names like Birkenstock, Equinox, and Peloton—suggesting they see L.A.B. as more than just a quirky putter brand, but a premium player in the evolving golf equipment market.
From “Oddball” to Tour-Trusted
L.A.B. Golf’s rapid rise has hinged on its patented torque-free putters that maintain a square face throughout the stroke—something traditional designs struggle with. Though their oversized, screw-laden shapes once raised eyebrows, pros and amateurs alike have grown loyal to their precision and feel.
The tipping point came when PGA pro J.J. Spaun drained a dramatic 64-foot putt using a L.A.B. putter during the U.S. Open, catapulting the brand into national golf conversations. Since then, demand has surged. The company sold 130,000 putters in 2024, and projections suggest that number could triple by 2025, reaching nearly 400,000 units (Golf Digest).
With base models starting at $399 and custom builds climbing past $1,000, L.A.B. Golf has carved out a high-end niche. Their loyal fan base embraces the unique look, trusting the performance that backs it up.
Opportunities Ahead—And Watchful Eyes
The private equity deal comes with high expectations. CEO Sam Hahn will stay at the helm, guiding the company through an era of scaling production, increasing international reach, and enhancing fitting technology—possibly with AI-driven tools.
But not everyone is celebrating. Some longtime fans worry the private equity influence could shift focus from performance to profit. “PE firms cut quality, hike prices, and chase margins,” one Reddit user commented in a thread already drawing heavy engagement.
Golf enthusiasts also question whether larger competitors like TaylorMade or Odyssey might replicate L.A.B.’s zero-torque technology and compete on price. Still, many believe that with L Catterton’s backing and Hahn’s leadership, L.A.B. has a unique opportunity to become the Tesla of golf putters—innovative, bold, and hard to imitate.
“Let’s hope they don’t lose the soul that made L.A.B. special,” wrote one user on GolfWRX.
L.A.B. Golf’s $200 million leap signals a new chapter—one where innovation meets capital. What began as a bold experiment in club design is now a serious contender in the global golf market. If L Catterton and L.A.B. can preserve the brand’s originality while expanding smartly, they might just redefine how the world lines up a putt.
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