Zero Torque Putter... Have You Heard the Name?

This Year’s Winning Secret for Arim Kim, Hyoju Kim, and Hae Ran Yoo
Zero Torque During Putting for Maximum Stability
Putters Designed to Deliver a Consistent Stroke
Shaft Attached at the Head’s Center of Gravity for Enhanced Control

What do Arim Kim, Hyoju Kim, and Hae Ran Yoo have in common?

First, they are all Korean players who have each secured one win on the LPGA Tour in the United States this year. There is another noteworthy point: their secret weapon. All three players enjoyed the joy of victory using a zero torque putter. A zero torque putter is designed to provide a stable stroke by reducing the torque acting on the club during putting to zero. Its key feature is that the shaft is attached at the center of gravity of the head. The design minimizes face rotation throughout the putting stroke.

Yoo Hae Ran is smiling brightly after winning the Black Desert Championship holding a Zero Torque Putter. Photo by AFP

On May 5, Hae Ran Yoo claimed the title at the LPGA Tour Black Desert Championship. She completed her victory using the TaylorMade Zero Torque Putter 'Spider ZT'. She switched to the 'Spider ZT' at the Chevron Championship, a major held on April 24, and finished tied for sixth, then went on to win the very next event, the Black Desert Championship. At the Black Desert Championship, Yoo's putting was nearly flawless, averaging just 1.5 putts per green in regulation. Yoo explained, "My putting had been a bit disappointing, but since I started using the ZT putter, the head face doesn't open up and my address feels more comfortable than before."

The TaylorMade 'Spider ZT putter', a mallet-type putter, is a line that incorporates feedback from tour players. The Milled True Path Alignment makes aiming easy and accurate. Yoo said, "It was similar to the Spider putter I used before, so I liked the familiar look and design. I'm glad I made the switch. I was happy to record an eagle for three consecutive days," she said with a bright smile.

Hyoju Kim is reading the putting line holding a zero torque putter on the 18th hole of the 4th round at the Ford Championship. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Before Yoo, Hyoju Kim and Arim Kim also began using zero torque putters this season. They opted for products from LAB GOLF. The structural design of these putters stands out for minimizing face rotation. Hyoju Kim won the Ford Championship in March. This marked her first trophy in a year and five months since the Ascendant LPGA in October 2023. Right before the tournament, Hyoju Kim added LAB GOLF's Mezz 1 to her caddie bag. She said, "I used a new shaft and putter in this tournament, and the synergy from the great feel helped me win."

Arim Kim also used a different version of LAB GOLF's Mezz 1 putter at the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in February. She showcased outstanding green play, averaging 1.55 putts per hole during the tournament. It was her third career win, coming three months after the Lotte Championship in November last year. Arim Kim smiled and said, "Nelly Korda (USA) was chasing me, but I didn't pay much attention to it. Sinking an important birdie putt late in the final round allowed me to start the new season on a good note."

Arim Kim is cheering while holding a Zero Talk putter immediately after winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Photo by UPI Yonhap News