From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand shakeups — 2025 delivered big in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season was packed with memorable moments on the course, but the gear used by pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and headline-grabbing deals, here are the equipment stories that stood out most this year.
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 — not from tampering, but natural wear from thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear evolves under pressure.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour-Ready Before Release
Later in the year, TaylorMade stirred buzz with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted in play at the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early Tour appearances underscored how quickly pros integrate prototype gear into competition — and how involved they are in development.
From Kids’ Club to Tour Talk: The 58cm Putter
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge — just 58cm long. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron and found improved control and green reading from a lower stance. Unorthodox? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks $200M L.A.B. Golf Sale
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie on 18 did more than boost his score — it spotlighted L.A.B. Golf’s Direct Force 3 (DF3) putter. With its zero-torque, lie