You’ve probably noticed that your timeline is full of putters for space aliens. Putters, that if they existed 30 years ago, you’d hide them from your parents because they wouldn’t understand. They’d probably think their son was a satanic vampire if they found one. But times have changed, welcome to 2026. Zero-torque putters (the tech that keeps the face square through the entire stroke with basically zero twist) went from “what the hell is that” to “everyone’s gaming one” faster than a 3-foot gimmie.

 

  1. MyGolfSpy crowned their 2025 King (and it’s still a LAB)

Their massive Most Wanted Zero-Torque test dropped in June and the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i took the crown as best overall. Testers raved about how stupid-easy it is to start putts online and keep them there.

L.A.B. GOLF OZ1 

GOLFSPY REVIEW 

 

  1. The “New Putting Aesthetic” is officially here (and it’s divisive)

Gone are the days of pretty blades. Now it’s bold, center-shafted, alignment-heavy mallets that scream “I don’t care what it looks like if it rolls pure.” Golf.com called 2025 the year zero-torque “changed the golf landscape.” Even traditionalists are admitting the look is growing on them… kinda.

ODYSSEY SQUARE 2 SQUARE MAX

 

LAZRUS GOLF 0 TORQUE PUTTER 

 

  1. Big brands finally jumped on the bandwagon

TaylorMade dropped the Spider ZT (center-shafted stability monster) and it’s already a Hot List winner. PXG added the Hot Rod ZT. Odyssey, Bettinardi, and even budget brands like Lazrus (featured above, $197 version that actually performs) are in the mix. The copycats are real, and the tech is spreading fast.

BETTINARDI ANTIDOTE SB1 

 

SPIDER ZT 

 

  1. Tour pros are split (but amateurs are all-in)

One US Open win with a LAB DF3 in 2025, but TaylorMade Spiders still dominated wins. GolfWRX got a PGA Tour pro to spill the tea: easier to start putts online, but “feels dead” on feedback for some. Verdict? Killer for weekend warriors who push/pull putts; maybe not for the pure feel guys.

 

  1. The internet debate nobody can shut up about

Forums, Reddit, and YouTube are split three ways:

  • “Game-changer, I’m never going back”
  • “Ugly as sin and feels weird”
  • “It’s just the new hot take,  traditional putters still rule”

Bottom line from the Caddy Shanks crew: If you fight the face on every putt, one fitting session with a zero-torque model might ruin traditional putters for you forever. If you already roll it pure… maybe keep the classic blade.

The aesthetic? Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. These things look like they were designed in a wind tunnel and they work like it too.

So… you pulling the trigger on one this season or nah? Let us know in the comments.