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 the gear that often stole the spotlight. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment headlines that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise: his driver failed a USGA conformity test due to excessive face flexibility. The issue wasn’t foul play, but natural wear from thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear can evolve beyond legal limits over time.
New Tech and Bold Moves in Golf Gear
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with the Qi4D driver series, spotted in the bags of pros like McIlroy and Fleetwood during the Abu Dhabi playoffs—before the official launch. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early use of these clubs showed how closely tour players are tied to product development and how quickly new tech hits the course.
Meanwhile, Canadian golfer Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge—just 58 cm. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron putter to improve control and green reading. The unconventional setup proved effective and sparked plenty of discussion.
Big Putts and Bigger Business
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie on the 18th hole didn’t just boost his score—it catapulted L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His DF3 putter, featuring zero-torque Lie Angle Balance design, helped stabilize off-center hits and maintain face angle. The buzz led to a $200