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 action on the course, but it was also a standout year for the gear that pros rely on. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and unexpected success stories, here are the equipment moments that got people talking.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise: his driver failed a USGA conformity test. The clubface was deemed too flexible, not due to any foul play, but because of natural wear from thousands of swings. With the major just days away, McIlroy had to switch drivers at the last minute – a rare but telling reminder of how even elite equipment can evolve beyond legal limits.
New Tech and Bold Moves
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D driver series, spotted in the bags of top players like McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early tour appearances highlighted how quickly prototypes can reach competition – and how involved pros are in the development process.
Meanwhile, Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a child’s club during a casual round, the 6’4\” golfer cut down a Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm. The deep stance helped him read greens better, and the compact shaft gave him more control – a quirky but effective solution that proved less can be more.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks $200M Deal
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie on the 18th hole did more than boost his leaderboard position – it put L.A.B. Golf in the spotlight. His Direct Force 3