From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand moves – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 season brought 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 captured the golf world’s attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails USGA Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility—likely caused by wear over time rather than any foul play. With thousands of swings logged, even the best clubheads can change. McIlroy was forced to switch drivers just before a major, raising questions about equipment durability and testing protocols.
New Tech and Bold Moves: TaylorMade, L.A.B. Golf, Wilson
Later in the season, TaylorMade drew attention with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted 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 pros test and adopt new gear.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie putt at the U.S. Open brought L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His DF3 putter, designed with zero torque and Lie Angle Balance, helped stabilize off-center hits. The buzz led to L.A.B. Golf’s acquisition for over $200 million, though the company promised to maintain its innovative spirit.
Wilson also made waves with a new cross-sport R&D approach, blending insights from tennis and basketball to develop products like the DYNAPWR series. Their Fit AI tool, launched in 2025, uses artificial intelligence to analyze swing data and recommend optimized club specs—bringing data-driven fitting to the mainstream.