Welcome back to The Drop Digest, your weekly briefing of all things golf and coffee from The Drop by Caffeine Caddy. This week, we’re breaking down what makes The Memorial one of the Tour’s most prestigious stops, and diving deep into the world of zero torque putters. Is it the next big thing or just expensive hype? We’ve got thoughts.
TOUR TALK
The Memorial Tournament: Preview & Field Notes
This week the PGA Tour heads to Jack’s Place — Muirfield Village — for the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday.
Location: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio
Date: May 30 – June 2, 2025
Purse: Approx. $20 million (Signature Event)
FedEx Cup Points: 700
Par: 72
Yardage: ~7,571 yards
Designer: Jack Nicklaus (first solo design)
Muirfield is often compared to Augusta National, and it’s no coincidence — Nicklaus modeled it with the same high standards and firm, fast conditions in mind.
Key Course Traits:
Slick, Sloping Greens: Often run at 13+ on the Stimpmeter; placement is critical.
Thick Rough, Tight Fairways: Demands accuracy off the tee and precision on approach.
Signature Stretch (14–16): Nicknamed “The Gauntlet,” where the tournament is often won or lost.
Water Hazards: In play on 11 holes — no room for mental lapses.
Renovations: In 2020, every green was rebuilt and bunkers reshaped to modernize challenge and strategy.
Fun Facts:
Inspired by Augusta: Nicklaus wanted the Memorial to feel like a fifth major.
Jack’s Plaque: Commemorates his 1984 speech to the winner — a tradition that continues annually.
No. 18: One of the Tour’s most demanding finishing holes.
Field Watch:
Heavy hitters like Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg, and Xander Schauffele are all in.
Viktor Hovland returns as defending champ after his playoff win in 2023.
Jon Rahm is notably absent due to his LIV commitment.
→ Listen to our full recap on Episode 5
DIALED IN
The Putter Wars: Blade vs. Mallet vs. Zero Torque
This week’s gear deep-dive looks at the evolution of the modern putter — and one of the most polarizing innovations in the game right now: zero torque technology.
Blade Putters
Best for arc-style strokes
Precision and feedback-focused
Less forgiving on mishits
Popular models: Scotty Cameron Newport 2, PING Anser, Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K
Mallet Putters
Better for straight-back-straight-through strokes
High MOI and stability
Great alignment aids
Popular models: TaylorMade Spider Tour X, Odyssey 2-Ball, Scotty Cameron Phantom X
Zero Torque Putters: What’s the Hype?
Putters like the L.A.B. Mezz.1 and TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT claim to neutralize twisting at impact by aligning the center of gravity directly behind the face. Brands use lie-angle balancing, forward shaft placement, and counterweighted heads to create a hands-off stroke that naturally returns to square.
Notable Brands & Models:
L.A.B. Golf: Mezz.1, DF 2.1, OZ1 — Lie-angle balanced designs
Axis1: Tour-HM, Rose — Shaft enters forward of face
Edel EAS Series: Torque-balanced with adjustability
Sacks Parente: Ultra-high MOI with custom fitting
TaylorMade: Spider 5K-ZT - Blade feel. Mallet forgiveness.
Tour Players Testing or Gaming Them:
Justin Rose (Axis1)
Lucas Glover (L.A.B. Mezz.1)
Adam Scott (experimented with L.A.B.)
Rickie Fowler (experimented with L.A.B.)
Bryson DeChambeau (tested Edel & L.A.B.)
Brian Harmon (TaylorMade Spider 5k-ZT)
Gary Woodland (Scotty Cameron T-11 Prototype)
What the Data Says:
Up to 50% reduction in face twist at impact
Increased consistency inside 10 feet for mid-handicap players
Better results for golfers with yips or deceleration issues
testing was performed with three different styles of putter, 10 putts each from same point of reference
The Debate
Game Changer:
Stability at impact = fewer manipulations
Confidence boost for amateurs and pros alike
Gaining traction in fitting studios
Gimmick:
Expensive ($399+) and unconventional looks
Minimal gains for players with solid strokes
Limited Tour adoption
→ See the science behind Zero-Torque putters
CAFFEINE CORNER
New Question Every Friday
What Team Are You - Starbucks or Dunkin?
→ Answer this week’s Caffeine Corner question on our IG story
PODCAST SPOTLIGHT
Episode 5 – Inside Muirfield & the Future of the Putter
In this episode, we break down:
Ben Griffin’s first solo PGA Tour win at the Charles Schwab Challenge
What to expect from Muirfield’s firm, fast setup at the Memorial
Whether zero torque putters are the future — or just good marketing
The Starbucks vs. Dunkin showdown in this week’s Caffeine Corner
FROM THE CREW
We’re grateful for everyone tuning in and helping us build this blend of golf and coffee culture. Every download, DM, and shared link means the world to us. If you like what you hear, forward this to a friend or share us on your socials.
See you next week — stay grounded
— Zach & Harrison
STAY CONNECTED
Instagram: @thedrop.golfcast
TikTok: @thedrop.golfcast
Website: thedroppodcast.substack.com
Email: thedropgolfcast@gmail.com
Definitely need to get myself a mallet putter here soon