Few golfers disputed the stability and ease of use of the original L.A.B. Golf Directed Force putter. The size and aesthetics, however, were unpalatable to many golfers. According to L.A.B. Golf, the DF3 is the company’s response to customers asking for a “less weird” version of the famous (or infamous) flatstick.

“The typical experience with DF 2.1 has been for a golfer to look at it and think, ‘I could never use that,’” says L.A.B. Golf CEO Sam Hahn. “But then golfers try it, see their putting improve, and after a few weeks or months they wonder why they would use anything else.”

“With DF3, we refined every aspect of the design,” Hahn says. “DF3 is quite a bit smaller, but because of all we’ve learned about building Lie Angle Balanced putters over the years, we were able to maintain almost all of the forgiveness and stability that makes DF 2.1 the easiest-to-use putter in the game.”

Similar to the Directed Force 2.1, the DF3 is Lie Angle Balanced, making the putter easier to keep on path and deliver to the ball with a square face without additional manipulation, thanks to the zero-torque design. Like the 2.1, the DF3 “stays square by itself,” according to the company, and performs remarkably well on putts struck off the heel and toe. L.A.B. also noted improved sound and feel in the new design.

Also in response to customer feedback, the DF features a “Gimme Getter” to pick the ball up.

“Our best-selling MEZZ.1 and MEZZ.1 Max putters don’t have a ball scoop, and many of our customers wrote in and said they wish they had one,” Sam Hahn said. “The ‘Gimme Getter’ function isn’t our original idea, but we love the way it works and glad we could bring it to DF3.”

Pricing, specs, and availability

DF3 is available now in two models: DF3 Stock and DF3 Custom.

With DF3 Custom, golfers will be able to choose from standard-length or counterbalanced models in eight different colors: black, red, blue, cappuccino, platinum, pink, green, and orange.

DF3 Custom comes with the choice of 33 different alignment markings and can be customized to standard, heavy, or light head weights.

Price: DF3 Stock ($449), DF3 Custom ($559).

ArmLock and Broomstick versions of DF3 are expected in early Spring 2024.

In-hand photos of the L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter