From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 season delivered plenty of memorable moments on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. In this year-end equipment roundup, we look back at controversial rule tests, bold innovations, and standout stories that captured the golf world’s attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with unexpected drama. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility—an issue not of foul play, but wear and tear from thousands of swings. With the club deemed non-conforming, McIlroy had to switch drivers just before the major began, highlighting how even elite players must adapt quickly to equipment setbacks.
New Tech and Bold Moves
Later in the year, TaylorMade drew attention with the early appearance of its Qi4D driver series during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four adjustable weights and the low-spin LS, the clubs were spotted in the bags of top pros before their official release. The early tour testing underscored how quickly new tech can hit the competitive scene.
Meanwhile, Canadian golfer Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Standing 6’4\”, Gariepy cut down a Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm after a fun round with a child’s club revealed surprising performance. His deep stance improved break reading and control, proving that unconventional setups can yield real benefits.
Big Putts and Bigger Business
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie putt on the 18th hole did more than boost his score—it catapulted L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. Spaun used the Direct Force 3 (DF3), a zero-torque, lie-angle-balanced put