From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand moves – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but it was also a standout year for equipment stories. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and unexpected success stories, here’s a look at the gear that got everyone talking.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise: his driver failed a conformity test. The USGA found the face too flexible – not due to tampering, but natural wear from thousands of swings. With the club no longer within legal limits, McIlroy had to switch drivers just before a major, highlighting how even elite gear can evolve over time.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour Gear Before Release
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its Qi4D driver series. Spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs before official release, the lineup included a Core model with four weights and a low-spin LS version. Whether the clubs were used in competition or not, the real story was how quickly new tech reaches the Tour and how involved pros are in development.
Unconventional Putters and Big Business
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge – just 58 cm. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron model. The low stance improved his read on breaks and gave him more control. It was one of the quirkiest gear stories of the year, proving sometimes less is more.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s birdie putt on the 18th at the U.S. Open brought massive attention to L.A.B. Golf. His DF3 model, with zero torque and Lie Angle Balance, stabilizes off-center hits and