From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand deals – 2025 was a big year in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment highlights that sparked the most buzz.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with unexpected equipment drama. His driver failed a USGA conformity test due to excessive face flexibility – not from tampering, but from wear over time. After thousands of swings, even the best clubheads can change. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before a major, raising questions about testing protocols and material durability.
TaylorMade’s Qi4D Drivers Debut Early
Later in the year, TaylorMade turned heads with its Qi4D driver series. Spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi Playoffs before official release, the new models – including the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS – showed how quickly pros get access to cutting-edge gear. Whether they were used in competition or not, the early sightings highlighted the close collaboration between tour players and manufacturers.
Short Putters, Big Impact
Philippe Gariepy made waves with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge – just 58 centimeters. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to improve control and green reading. The unorthodox setup turned heads and proved that sometimes, less really is more.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks a $200M Deal
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie on the 18th hole didn’t just boost his score – it boosted his putter brand. Using a zero-torque,