From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and multi-million dollar deals—2025 was a wild year for golf gear.
While 2025 delivered plenty of on-course drama, the equipment used by the pros often stole the spotlight. From controversial rule tests to innovative tech and bold individual choices, here are the golf gear stories that made waves this year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship got off to a rocky start when his driver failed a USGA conformity test. The issue? The face had become too flexible—not due to cheating, but wear and tear from thousands of swings. Forced to switch clubs just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear can evolve beyond legal limits over time.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour-Tested Before Release
Later in the year, TaylorMade generated buzz with its unreleased Qi4D driver series spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four adjustable weights and the low-spin LS, the early appearance of these clubs underscored how quickly new tech reaches the tour—and how closely pros are involved in development.
Short and Sweet: The 58cm Putter
At 6’4\”, Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge—just 58 cm. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to improve control and green reading. The unorthodox setup proved effective, showing that sometimes less really is more.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks $200M Deal
J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie on the 18th at the U.S. Open didn’t just make headlines—it put L.A.B. Golf’s Direct Force 3 (DF3