From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 delivered big in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season was packed with memorable moments on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment highlights that captured attention this year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship started with unexpected drama. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility – not because of foul play, but because wear and tear had pushed it beyond legal limits. After thousands of swings, even top-tier gear can change. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before a major, raising questions about equipment longevity and testing protocols.
New Tech and Bold Moves
Later in the season, TaylorMade drew attention 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 spotted in the bags of top players before official release. This highlighted how closely tour pros are involved in product development and how quickly new tech hits the competitive scene.
Meanwhile, Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Standing 6’4\”, Gariepy cut down a Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm after a fun round with a junior club. The deep stance helped him read greens better, and the short shaft gave him more control – proving that unconventional setups can work wonders.
Big Putts and Bigger Business
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun made headlines with a clutch birdie putt on 18. His weapon of choice: a zero-torque, lie-angle-balanced DF3 putter from L.A.B. Golf. Designed to maintain face alignment and reduce twisting, the putter’s high