From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 season delivered plenty of action on the course, but golf gear also made waves off the fairways. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and quirky customizations, here are the equipment stories that stood out this year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise. His driver failed a pre-tournament test by the USGA, which found the clubface had become too flexible over time – a result of extensive use, not foul play. With thousands of swings logged, even the best gear can wear down. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before the major, raising questions about durability and regulation.
New Releases and Bold Designs
Later in the year, TaylorMade caught attention with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early sightings highlighted how quickly new tech hits the Tour – and how involved pros are in the development process.
Meanwhile, Canadian golfer Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm. The deep stance helped him read greens better, and the short shaft gave him more control – proving that sometimes, less is more.
Big Putts and Bigger Business
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s spectacular birdie on the 18th hole brought massive attention to his putter brand: L.A.B. Golf. His Direct Force 3 (DF3) model features zero torque and lie-angle balance, keeping the face square through impact and stabilizing off-center hits. The buzz led