From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand moves – 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 tools of the trade. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here’s a look back at the equipment stories that caught the most attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship got off to a rocky start when his driver failed a USGA compliance test. The face had become too flexible – not due to cheating, but because of wear and tear from thousands of swings. With the club no longer conforming to regulations, McIlroy had to make a last-minute switch just before a major tournament.
TaylorMade Qi4D Spotted Before Launch
Later in the year, TaylorMade stirred buzz with its unreleased Qi4D drivers. Spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs, the new models – including a Core version with four weights and a low-spin LS – highlighted how quickly prototypes can appear on Tour. Whether or not they were used in competition, the early exposure showed how involved pros are in product development.
Unusual Putters and Big Business Moves
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a child’s club during a casual round, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm. The deep stance helped him read breaks better, and the short shaft gave him more control – proving that unconventional can work.
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie on 18 brought L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His DF3 putter, featuring zero torque and lie-angle balance, was designed to reduce face twisting and improve off-center hits. The buzz led to L.A.B