Introduction
Adam Scott Putter When you think of Adam Scott, a few things come to mind: that silky-smooth swing, his 2013 Masters win, and if you’re a gearhead his ever-evolving relationship with the putter. Over the years, Scott has become synonymous with innovation on the greens, particularly with his embrace of long putters and his collaboration with L.A.B. Golf. His journey with the putter is not just about personal preference; it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection and adaptability in the face of changing regulations and personal performance.
In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of Adam Scott’s putter choices, his collaboration with L.A.B. Golf, and the impact of his decisions on the broader golfing community.
The Evolution of Adam Scott’s Putter Choices
Early Career and Traditional Putters
In the early stages of his career, Adam Scott primarily used traditional-length putters. However, despite his prowess from tee to green, his putting statistics often lagged. In 2010, for instance, he ranked first in strokes gained tee to green but 186th in strokes gained putting. This inconsistency on the greens led him to explore alternative solutions to improve his performance.
Transition to the Long Putter
Scott’s experimentation led him to the long, or “broomstick,” putter. Introduced to the concept by his coach, Brad Malone, Scott found immediate improvement. He first used a broomstick putter in competition at the 2011 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. The results were promising, with notable finishes including third at Doral and second at the Masters. The stability and consistency offered by the long putter seemed to address his previous putting woes.
The Anchoring Ban and Adaptation
In 2016, the USGA implemented a ban on anchoring putters to the body, directly impacting Scott’s putting style. Anticipating the change, Scott began practicing with a conventional putter and a cross-handed grip in 2015. He expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “I’m more confident putting it into play this week… I’m confident I can make myself one of the best putters on tour with a short putter.” Despite the challenges, Scott’s adaptability allowed him to continue competing at a high level.
Collaboration with L.A.B. Golf
Introduction to L.A.B. Golf
Scott’s quest for putting excellence led him to L.A.B. Golf (Lie Angle Balance), a company specializing in putters designed to reduce torque and twisting throughout the stroke. He was introduced to their technology in 2019 and began using their Directed Force model, appreciating the innovative design and performance benefits.
Development of the Mezz.1 and Mezz.1 Max
Scott’s collaboration with L.A.B. Golf deepened with the development of the Mezz.1 and Mezz.1 Max putters. He provided feedback that led to design refinements, including a slightly larger head for increased stability. Scott praised the Mezz.1 Max, stating, “There aren’t many companies investing time in broomstick putting. There’s no doubt L.A.B. is the leader in that.” His use of the Mezz.1 Max coincided with improved putting statistics, ranking 19th and 27th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting over two seasons.
Introduction of the OZ.1 Putter
In 2024, L.A.B. Golf unveiled the OZ.1 putter, a model designed with significant input from Scott. The OZ.1 features a half-moon head with a solid-body construction and is L.A.B.’s first putter to include a face insert. Scott’s influence extended to aesthetic elements, drawing inspiration from a favorite sports car to achieve a more traditional mallet shape. The OZ.1 offers increased customization, including options for shaft lean, length, lie angle, head weight, color, alignment marking, shaft, and grip. A special edition green version celebrates Scott’s Australian heritage and his 2013 Masters victory.
Impact on the Golfing Community
Influence on Fellow Professionals
Scott’s success with L.A.B. Golf Putters has influenced other professionals to explore similar equipment. Players like Lucas Glover and Will Zalatoris have adopted L.A.B. putters, seeking to replicate Scott’s improved consistency on the greens. Glover, for instance, requested “the Adam Scott specs” when approaching L.A.B. Golf, leading to a revitalization of his game and consecutive wins in 2023.
Resurgence of Long Putters
The effectiveness of long putters, as demonstrated by Scott and others, has contributed to a resurgence in their popularity. Despite the anchoring ban, players have found ways to utilize long putters within the rules, benefiting from the stability and consistency they offer. This trend has extended beyond the professional ranks, with amateur golfers also exploring the advantages of broomstick putters.
Adam Scott’s Putter Specifications
Putter ModelKey Features
Scotty Cameron Futura X High MOI design, precision-milled aluminum head, deep heel-toe weights, used in 2013 Masters victory
L.A.B. Directed Force Lie-angle balanced design reduces head twisting, a unique appearance
L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max Slightly larger head, zero-torque design, customized with 16 different weights, improved consistency
L.A.B. OZ.1 Half-moon head, first L.A.B. putter with a face insert, customizable options, designed with Scott’s input
FAQs
Q: Why did Adam Scott switch to a long putter?
A: Scott struggled with consistency using traditional-length putters. The long putter provided increased stability and helped him improve his putting performance.
Q: What is the anchoring ban, and how did it affect Scott?
A: The USGA’s anchoring ban, effective in 2016, prohibited anchoring the putter to the body. Scott adapted by practicing with a conventional putter and cross-handed grip, allowing him to comply with the new rules while maintaining performance.
Q: What is unique about L.A.B. Golf putters?
A: L.A.B. Golf putters feature a lie-angle balanced design that reduces torque and twisting during the stroke, promoting a more stable and consistent putting experience.
Q: How has Scott’s collaboration with L.A.B. Golf influenced the industry?
A: Scott’s success with L.A.B. putters has inspired other professionals to explore similar equipment, contributing to a resurgence in the popularity of long putters and innovative designs.
Q: Can amateur golfers benefit from using a long putter?
A: Yes, many amateur golfers have found that long putters offer increased stability and consistency, particularly for those struggling with wristy strokes or the yips.
Conclusion
Adam Scott’s journey with the putter is a testament to his dedication to continuous improvement and adaptability. From traditional blades to innovative collaborations with L.A.B. Golf, Scott has never shied away from exploring new avenues to enhance his performance on the greens. His willingness to embrace change and work closely with equipment manufacturers has not only benefited his own game but has also influenced the broader golfing community. As the game continues to evolve, Scott’s approach serves as a reminder that innovation and adaptability are key components of sustained success in golf.
