From banned drivers and ultra-short putters to multi-million dollar deals – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule tests and cutting-edge innovations to bold individual choices, here’s a look at the equipment stories that captured the most attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise: his driver failed a conformity test. The USGA found the clubface too flexible, pushing it outside legal limits—not due to foul play, but natural wear from thousands of swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear can evolve beyond the rules.
New Tech and Bold Designs
Later in the year, TaylorMade grabbed headlines with early sightings of its Qi4D driver series during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS were seen in players’ bags before official release. The buzz wasn’t just about performance—it was about how quickly pros test and adopt new gear in competition.
Meanwhile, 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 centimeters. The deep stance helped him read greens better, and the short shaft gave him more control—a quirky but effective setup.
Big Putts and Bigger Business
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie on 18 didn’t just impress fans—it spotlighted his putter brand, L.A.B. Golf. His DF3 model, featuring zero-torque and lie-angle balance, minimizes face twist and boosts forgiveness. The buzz led to a $200 million acquisition of L.A.B. Golf, though the company