Photo via Yahoo Sports

Austin Smotherman notches first win for L.A.B. Golf's newest mallet

Austin Smotherman secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Bank of Utah Championship this weekend, marking the inaugural win for L.A.B. Golf’s newest putter, the VZN.1i.

The model, released in June, is designed with enhanced alignment aids and a more forgiving profile than previous L.A.B. offerings, helping Smotherman gain over 5.3 strokes on the greens en route to his triumph.

The golfer switched to the VZN.1i after a recent fitting at L.A.B.’s Oregon headquarters, where he also reconnected with the brand following his ambassador role announcement earlier this year. Smotherman had previously used the OZ.1 putter, finishing tied for second at the Cognizant Classic in March before finalizing his partnership with L.A.B.

Golf as its second professional ambassador. His strong performance in Utah—including a second-round 62—highlighted the putter’s impact, with Smotherman praising its intuitive design during the tournament.

The VZN.1i’s standout feature is its optically optimized head, which provides clear visual cues to improve alignment, a key factor in Smotherman’s success. The putter’s sole design also aims to boost confidence by ensuring the face aligns precisely with the golfer’s intended target.

With production reportedly exceeding 1,200 custom putters daily at L.A.B.’s facility, the VZN.1i’s early success underscores its potential to become a staple among tour players seeking precision and consistency on the greens.

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