From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and multi-million dollar deals – 2025 was a big year in 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 tests to bold innovations and surprising gear choices, here’s a look back at the equipment moments that grabbed the most attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with an unexpected twist. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility—an issue caused not by cheating, but by wear and tear from thousands of swings. The ruling forced McIlroy to switch drivers just before a major, highlighting how even elite players must adapt quickly to equipment challenges.
Tour Gear Leaks and Bold Innovations
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its Qi4D driver series. Spotted in the bags of pros like Tommy Fleetwood and McIlroy during the Abu Dhabi playoffs, the new models—including the low-spin LS and the Core with four adjustable weights—appeared before their official release. The early sightings underscored how closely tour players are involved in product development and how quickly new gear hits the competitive scene.
Meanwhile, Canadian golfer Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge—just 58 cm long. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, Gariepy cut down his Scotty Cameron to improve control and green reading through a lower stance. It was one of the quirkiest yet most effective gear stories of the year.
Game-Changing Putts and Tech-Driven Growth
J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie putt on the 18th at the U.S. Open didn’t just boost his profile—it also propelled L.A.B. Golf into the