From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made headlines. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and quirky customizations, here are the equipment stories that stood out this year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s run at the PGA Championship 2025 started with a surprise. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility, a result of wear over time rather than any foul play. With thousands of swings, even the best club heads can change. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before the Major – a rare and disruptive moment for a top-tier pro.
New Tech: TaylorMade Qi4D and L.A.B. Golf’s Rise
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D driver series, spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS version showed how quickly prototypes can hit the course. Tour pros are clearly involved early in the R&D process.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s birdie putt at the U.S. Open catapulted L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His DF3 putter, featuring zero-torque and Lie-Angle Balance tech, helped reduce face twist and stabilize off-center hits. The buzz led to L.A.B. Golf’s $200 million acquisition by a private equity firm – though the company promised to stay true to its philosophy.
Quirky Innovations: Short Putters and AI Fittings
One of the