If you are looking at a LAB putter, the first thing you want to know is when it will arrive. The honest answer splits into two clear paths. A stock putter that is already built ships in 1 to 3 business days. A custom putter built to your specs takes 6 to 8 weeks from the day you place your order. That gap is not a mistake. It comes down to how LAB makes each putter and what you choose when you order.
Stock Putters vs. Custom Builds: The Two Timelines
The fastest way to get a LAB putter is to pick a stock model. These are putters that LAB already has in inventory. They are ready to go. You select the head, length, grip, and lie that LAB offers as standard options, and your putter ships within a few days. If you order on a Monday morning, you might have it by Friday.
Custom builds are a different story. When you order a custom LAB putter, nothing exists yet. LAB starts from scratch. They mill the head, apply the finish, install the shaft, and then go through the lie-angle balancing process that makes LAB putters different from everything else.
That balancing step alone takes time because it is done by hand for each putter. After that, they check the loft, lie, and weight, then pack it up. Six to eight weeks is the standard window for this whole process.
Why the Custom Wait Is Worth It?
A lot of people get frustrated when they hear “six to eight weeks.” But once you understand what happens during that time, the wait makes sense.
LAB does not use the same assembly line as big brands like Odyssey or TaylorMade. Every custom putter is built by a real person who adjusts the balance point until the putter stays square to the ground through the stroke. That is the technology that makes LAB famous, and it cannot be rushed.
If you order a left-handed putter, a non-standard length, or a less common head shape, the timeline stays the same. LAB builds everything in the order it comes in. There is no priority lane for certain specs.
What Affects the Shipping Time?
Not every custom order takes exactly six to eight weeks. A few things can shift the timeline.
- Seasonal demand. November through January is the busiest time. Holiday buyers and New Year golfers push production to the limit. Add two to three extra weeks if you order during those months.
- New model releases. When LAB launches a new head shape, like the DF3 or the Link, orders spike. Expect an extra week or two of waiting.
- Material and finish choices. A standard black or brushed steel finish moves faster than a custom paint fill or a torched finish. The more steps in the finishing process, the longer it takes.
- Full customization. Adding stamping, sight lines, or alignment aids means more time in the engraving and paint area. A fully stamped putter can push toward the upper end of the eight-week window.
What Happens During Those Six to Eight Weeks
You might wonder where your putter is during that time. LAB does not offer real-time tracking of the build process, but you can see the order status in your account. Here is a rough breakdown of what is happening:
- Order confirmation and queue. Your order enters the production line. This takes one to three days.
- Head milling and finishing. The putter head is cut from a block of aluminum or steel, then sanded and coated. This takes about one to two weeks.
- Lie-angle balancing. The shaft is installed, and the balance is tuned by hand. This is the most detailed step and usually takes one to two weeks.
- Final assembly and inspection. Grip, weight, and alignment are checked. This takes a few days.
- Shipping. Once the putter leaves LAB’s facility, the carrier time depends on your location. LAB uses FedEx or UPS ground. Within the United States, that adds two to five business days.
If you order a stock putter, you skip steps one through four. It ships immediately after payment clears.
How to Get Your LAB Putter Faster?
If you need a putter soon, you have two real options.
First, buy a stock putter from LAB’s website. Pick a model that is in stock. The website clearly marks which putters are ready to ship. If you see “In Stock” next to the price, it will go out within a couple of days.
Second, check with authorized retailers. Some golf shops carry LAB putters in their inventory. If they have one that matches your specs, you can get it the same day or have it shipped from the shop faster than a direct custom order. The trade-off is that you lose the ability to customize. But if speed matters most, this is the way to go.
Can You Expedite a Custom Order?
LAB does not offer expedited building. You cannot pay extra to jump the queue. Once your order is in production, there is no way to speed it up. However, after the putter is built, you can pay for faster shipping. During checkout, LAB offers overnight or two-day shipping options. That only helps after the build is done, but it can shave off a few days from the total time.
What If Your Putter Does Not Arrive on Time
Six to eight weeks is an estimate, not a guarantee. Sometimes production takes a bit longer due to unexpected demand or material delays. For example, during the summer of 2025, LAB saw a surge in orders after a popular Tour win, and wait times stretched to 9 or 10 weeks for a short period.
If your putter is overdue, contact LAB’s customer service. They are responsive and will give you a realistic update. In my experience, if a delay is significant, they offer a discount or free shipping on a future purchase. But that is not a policy. It depends on the situation.
LAB’s return policy is generous. If you change your mind during the wait, you can cancel a custom order as long as it has not entered the balancing stage. Check your order status and decide quickly. After they start balancing, the putter is yours.
Comparing LAB to Other Custom Putter Brands
If you are weighing your options, here is how LAB’s shipping time stacks up against other custom putter makers.
| Brand | Stock Shipping Time | Custom Shipping Time |
|---|---|---|
| LAB Golf | 1-3 business days | 6-8 weeks |
| Scotty Cameron (Custom Shop) | Not available | 8-12 weeks |
| Bettinardi | 2-5 business days | 4-6 weeks |
| Odyssey (Custom) | 1-3 business days | 2-4 weeks |
LAB sits in the middle of the pack. Bettinardi can be faster for custom builds, but LAB’s lie-angle balancing is something Bettinardi does not offer. If you want that technology, the wait is part of the deal.
Final Word on LAB Putter Shipping Times
The question “how long do lab putters take to ship” does not have a single answer. If you order a stock putter, you will have it in a few days if you go custom, plan for two months. The company does not hide this. Their website gives you the estimate before you check out. The trick is to decide what matters more: speed or personalization.
If you are ordering for a specific tournament or a big trip, order at least ten weeks ahead. That gives you a cushion for any delays. If you just want to try a LAB putter, buy a stock model from a retailer. You can always sell it and order a custom later if you fall in love with the feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LAB offer express shipping for custom orders?
No. LAB does not expedite the building process. Once the putter is built, you can choose overnight or two-day delivery during checkout.
Can I track my LAB putter while it is being built?
You can see the order status in your LAB account. It shows whether it is in the queue, in production, or shipped. You will not get a live feed of each step.
Do left-handed LAB putters take longer?
No. Left-handed and right-handed putters follow the same build timeline. LAB makes both in equal volume.
What if I need to change my custom order after placing it?
You can make changes as long as the order has not entered the balancing stage. Contact customer support immediately. After balancing starts, changes are not possible.
Are LAB putters from retailers faster than direct orders?
Yes. If a retailer has a stock putter that matches your specs, you can get it immediately or in a few days via the retailer’s shipping. Custom orders through retailers still take the same six to eight weeks.
What happens if my custom putter is delayed beyond eight weeks?
Contact LAB support. They will give you an updated timeline. In rare cases of long delays, they may offer compensation, but that is handled case by case.
Can I return a custom LAB putter while waiting for it?
Yes, if it has not entered production or the balancing stage. Check your order status. After that, the putter becomes non-returnable unless defective.