From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand sales – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
While the 2025 season delivered plenty of thrilling action on the course, it was also a landmark year for golf gear. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and headline-grabbing sales, here’s a look back at the equipment stories that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship started with unexpected drama when his driver failed a conformity test by the USGA. The face was deemed too flexible—not due to tampering, but natural wear from thousands of pro-level swings. Forced to switch drivers just before a major, McIlroy’s situation highlighted how even elite gear can evolve beyond legal limits over time.
New Tech and Bold Moves in Golf Gear
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its unreleased Qi4D driver series, spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Featuring models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS, the early tour sightings underscored how quickly new tech can reach the competitive stage—and how involved pros are in development.
Meanwhile, Canadian golfer Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a 58 cm putter—shorter than a pitching wedge. Inspired by a child’s club during a casual round, Gariepy cut down his Scotty Cameron for better control and green reading. The unconventional setup proved surprisingly effective, showing that sometimes less really is more.
Big Wins and Bigger Deals
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie putt on the 18th hole didn’t just boost his score—it also put L.A.B. Golf in the spotlight. His Direct Force 3 putter, featuring a zero-torque, lie-angle-balanced design, helped stabilize off-center hits and maintain square alignment.