From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and multi-million dollar deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but it was the gear that often stole the spotlight. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment highlights that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign started with a surprise: his driver failed a USGA test. The face was deemed too flexible, pushing it beyond legal limits—not due to cheating, but natural wear from thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how elite players constantly push the boundaries of performance.
New Tech and Tour Insights
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early sightings underscored how quickly prototypes reach the Tour and how involved pros are in development.
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a kids’ club during a casual round, 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—a quirky yet effective setup that proved less can be more.
Big Putts and Bigger Business
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie putt on 18 didn’t just boost his score—it boosted L.A.B. Golf’s profile. His DF3 putter, with zero torque and Lie Angle Balance design, minimizes face twist and stabilizes off-center hits. The buzz led to L.A.B. Golf