From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand deals – 2025 delivered big in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season wasn’t just about birdies and trophies. Equipment made waves too, with controversial rule tests, bold innovations, and surprising success stories. Here’s a look back at the gear that got everyone talking.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship got off to a rocky start when his driver failed a USGA test. The face had become too flexible, pushing it outside the legal limits—not due to cheating, but simply wear and tear from thousands of swings. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before the Major, highlighting how even elite players face unexpected gear challenges.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour Pros Test New Drivers
Later in the year, TaylorMade grabbed attention with their unreleased Qi4D driver series. Spotted in the bags of pros like Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy during the Abu Dhabi playoffs, the new models—Core and LS—were seen in action before their official launch. The early adoption underscored how closely tour players are involved in product development and how quickly new tech hits the course.
Short Putters and Big Moves
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge—just 58 centimeters. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to improve control and green reading. The unconventional setup proved effective and earned its place among the year’s most curious gear stories.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie putt at the U.S. Open brought L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His DF3 putter, featuring zero torque and lie-angle balance, helped reduce face twist and stabilize off-center hits. The buzz led to a $200 million acquisition