From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also grabbed headlines. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment moments that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s start to the 2025 PGA Championship was anything but smooth. His driver failed a USGA conformity test due to excessive face flexibility—a result of natural wear from thousands of swings, not foul play. 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, Bold Moves: TaylorMade, L.A.B. Golf & More
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Models like the Core with four weights and the LS for low spin showed how quickly prototypes can hit the course—and how closely tour pros are involved in development.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie at the U.S. Open spotlighted L.A.B. Golf’s Direct Force 3 putter. With its zero-torque, lie-angle-balanced design and high MOI, the DF3 minimizes face twisting and stabilizes off-center hits. Following Spaun’s success, L.A.B. Golf was acquired for over $200 million, sparking debate but promising continuity in philosophy.
Unconventional Solutions: Short Putters and AI Fitting
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a 58 cm putter—shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a child’s club during a casual round, he cut down his Scotty Cameron for better control and a lower stance to read greens. Proof that sometimes, less