From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and record-breaking sales, here are the equipment stories that stood out.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign started with a surprise. His driver was tested by the USGA and deemed non-conforming due to excessive face flexibility – not from cheating, but from wear and tear after thousands of shots. The material had simply degraded over time. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite players must adapt quickly to equipment challenges.
TaylorMade Qi4D: New Drivers Hit the Tour Early
Later in the year, TaylorMade grabbed attention with its Qi4D driver series. Spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs before their official release, the new models – including the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS – sparked curiosity. Whether they were used in competition or not, the real story was how quickly new gear reaches the Tour and how involved pros are in the development process.
Short and Sweet: The 58cm Putter
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Standing 6’4\” tall, he cut down a Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm after a fun round with a child’s club surprisingly worked well. The deep stance helped him read breaks better, and the short shaft gave him more control. An unconventional move, but one that proved effective – sometimes less really is more.
Spaun’s Putt Puts L.A.B. Golf on the Map
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