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 action on the course, but it was the gear that often stole the spotlight. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and quirky customizations, here are the equipment stories that made waves.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with unexpected drama. His driver failed a USGA conformity test due to excessive face flexibility—an issue caused not by cheating, but by wear and tear from thousands of pro-level swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear can evolve beyond legal limits.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Sneak Peek Before Launch
Later in the year, TaylorMade made headlines with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. The new line includes models like the Core with four adjustable weights and the LS for low spin. Whether or not they were used in competition, the early sightings underscored how closely tour pros are involved in product development—and how quickly new tech hits the course.
The 58cm Putter That Turned Heads
What does a 6’4\” golfer do with a putter shorter than an umbrella? Philippe Gariepy showed us. Inspired by a fun round with a child’s club, 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. It was one of the quirkiest gear stories of the year—and surprisingly effective.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks $200M L.A.B. Golf Sale
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie