From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand deals – 2025 brought big gear headlines in golf.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the equipment used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the gear moments that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with unexpected equipment drama. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility – not from cheating, but from natural wear over time. Tour pros hit thousands of balls, and even the best clubheads can change. McIlroy was forced to switch drivers just before the major began.
TaylorMade Qi4D: New Drivers Hit the Tour
Later in the year, TaylorMade grabbed attention with its unreleased Qi4D driver series. Spotted during the Abu Dhabi playoffs, the lineup included models like the Core with four weights and the LS for low spin. Whether the pros actually used them in play was secondary – the real story was how quickly new tech reaches the tour and how involved players are in development.
Unusual Putters and Big Moves
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge – just 58 cm long. Inspired by a fun round with a kid’s club, he chopped down his Scotty Cameron, finding that the low stance improved his read and control. Sometimes, less really is more.
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie putt on 18 brought L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His Direct Force 3 (DF3) putter features zero torque and Lie Angle Balance to reduce twisting and improve off-center hits. The buzz led to L.A.B. Golf being sold for over $200 million, though the