From banned drivers and ultra-short putters to major brand shakeups – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and headline-grabbing deals, here are the equipment stories that stood out.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship started with a surprise: his driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility. Not a case of cheating, but rather wear and tear from thousands of swings. With the club deemed non-conforming just before a major, McIlroy had to make a last-minute switch.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour Testing Before Release
Later in the year, TaylorMade stirred buzz with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early Tour sightings highlighted how quickly new tech reaches competition and how involved pros are in development.
Unusual Putters and Big Moves
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a 58 cm putter—shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron, finding better green reading and control from a lower stance. An odd choice, but one that worked.
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie on 18 brought L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His DF3 putter, with zero-torque and lie-angle balance, minimizes face twist and boosts forgiveness. The buzz led to L.A.B. being sold for over $200 million—though leadership promised to maintain its core philosophy.