From banned drivers and ultra-short putters to multimillion-dollar deals – 2025 was a big year in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of on-course drama, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and surprising personal choices, here are the stories that captured the most attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship started with unexpected equipment drama. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility—an issue not of cheating, but of wear and tear from thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear can evolve beyond legal limits over time.
New Tech and Bold Moves
Later in the year, TaylorMade made headlines with its unreleased Qi4D drivers, spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early appearance of these clubs underscored how quickly prototypes can hit the pro circuit—and how involved elite players are in product development.
Meanwhile, Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a child’s club during a casual round, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm. The low stance helped him read greens better, and the compact shaft gave him more control—proof that unconventional setups can sometimes deliver surprising results.
Big Putts, Bigger Deals
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie putt on the 18th didn’t just boost his profile—it also thrust L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His putter of choice: the Direct Force 3 (DF3), featuring zero torque and Lie Angle Balance to reduce face twist and improve off-center hits. The