From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and record-breaking deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
While 2025 delivered plenty of thrilling moments on the course, it was also a standout year for golf gear. From controversial rule checks and cutting-edge innovations to bold individual choices, here are the equipment stories that captured the most attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with unexpected drama. His driver failed a USGA conformity test due to an overly flexible face – not from cheating, but from wear and tear after thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even the best gear can evolve beyond legal limits over time.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour Testing Before Launch
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D driver series. Spotted in the bags of pros during the Abu Dhabi playoffs, the new models – including the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS – were already in play before their official debut. The early adoption underscored how closely tour players are involved in product development and how quickly new gear hits competitive rounds.
Unconventional Putters and Big Business
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Standing 6’4\”, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm after a fun round with a child’s club. The deep stance helped him read greens better, and the short shaft gave him more control – proving that sometimes, less is more.
J.J. Spaun’s birdie putt on the 18th at the U.S. Open didn’t just earn applause – it put L.A.B. Golf in the spotlight. His DF3 putter, featuring zero torque and lie-angle