A majority stake in L.A.B. Golf, a maker of putters, has been acquired by L Catterton, the private-equity firm backed by LVMH. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported the acquisition was made at a valuation of $200 million.
Creswell, OR-based L.A.B., which stands for Lie Angle Balance, has gained recognition for its putters, featuring patented technology that eliminates torque during the swing. The putters feature screws that vary in size and weight on the bottom, giving them their distinctive appearance.
L Catterton said L.A.B. Golf has “experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by word-of-mouth advocacy, industry-leading satisfaction, professional adoption, a differentiated direct-to-consumer experience allowing significant customization and personalization, and a relentless focus on quality and customer service.”
More pros have adopted them in recent years, according to the WSJ report. J.J. Spaun’s U.S. Open win this year using an L.A.B. putter boosted the company’s popularity. According to WSJ, the company sold about 130,000 units in 2024 and is on pace to roughly triple that this year.
“At L Catterton, we’ve spent decades partnering with visionary teams to build some of the world’s most beloved consumer brands – from iconic names like Pinarello to Birkenstock and Peloton,” said Matt Nugent, partner at L Catterton. “What immediately stood out about L.A.B. Golf is the strength of the product, the passion of its community, and the success it has had creating significant innovations that are benefiting golfers. At L Catterton, our approach is rooted in true partnership: we collaborate closely with founders and operators to drive sustainable growth. With our deep consumer insights, our experiences growing product companies and brands, and our hands-on operational resources, we’re excited to help L.A.B. Golf grow its business, broaden and improve its already exceptional product assortment, and reach more golfers around the world.”
The partnership will reportedly “support L.A.B. Golf as it accelerates product innovation, enhances its direct-to-consumer experience, grows its presence across the retail channel, and expands internationally.”
“We didn’t set out to build a brand; we set out to build a better putter,” said Sam Hahn, co-CEO of L.A.B. Golf. “That mission struck a chord with golfers who were frustrated with traditional options, and we’ve been blown away by the response. We’re thrilled to have found a partner in L Catterton who shares our vision and values and is equipped to help us continue investing in our business, growing our brand, and creating more happy golfers.”
Robert Johnson, co-CEO of L.A.B. Golf, added, “From day one, L Catterton showed a deep understanding of the golfer and the category. Their track record of building brands, working side-by-side with management teams, and investing in quality and growth has made them the clear partner of choice. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries and bringing smarter, better gear to golfers around the world.”
L Catterton has other investments in the sports and active lifestyle space, including Tonal, Megabass, Peloton, Equinox, EGYM, Pinarello, Storyteller Overland, and Birkenstock.
Image courtesy L.A.B. Golf
