From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and million-dollar deals – 2025 was a big year in 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 tests and cutting-edge innovations to bold individual choices, here are the equipment stories that captured the most attention this year.
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 an overly flexible face – not from cheating, but from wear and tear. After thousands of swings, even the best clubheads can degrade. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite players face equipment challenges.
TaylorMade Qi4D Drivers Debut Early
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D driver series spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. The lineup included models like the Core, featuring four adjustable weights, and the LS, designed for low spin. Whether the clubs were used in competition or not, the early exposure showed how closely Tour pros are involved in product development and how quickly new tech hits the course.
Unconventional Putters and Big Business
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge. Standing 6’4\”, he cut down a Scotty Cameron to just 58 cm after a fun round with a child’s club. The low stance helped him read greens better, and the short shaft gave him more control – a quirky but effective setup that proved less can be more.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie putt at the U.S. Open brought massive attention to L.A.B. Golf and its Direct Force 3 (DF3