From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 brought major gear headlines in golf.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of on-course drama, but the equipment used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and standout individual choices, here are the gear stories that captured the most attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship began with a surprise: his driver failed a conformity test by the USGA. The face was deemed too flexible—not due to cheating, but natural wear from thousands of swings. With the club no longer within legal limits, McIlroy had to make a last-minute switch just before a major.
New Releases and Unusual Choices
Later in the year, TaylorMade made headlines with its unreleased Qi4D driver series spotted during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS appeared in players’ bags before official launch, showing how closely Tour pros are involved in product development.
Meanwhile, Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm. The deep stance helped him read breaks better and gave him more control—a quirky but effective solution.
Spaun’s Putt and a $200M Deal
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s birdie on the 18th hole didn’t just boost his score—it spotlighted his L.A.B. Golf putter. The Direct Force 3 (DF3) features zero-torque and Lie Angle Balance to reduce twisting and improve off-center hits. The buzz led to a $200 million acquisition of L.A.B. Golf, though the company promised to maintain its core philosophy despite private equity involvement.