From banned drivers and ultra-short putters to multi-million dollar deals – 2025 was a wild year in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and quirky customizations, these are the equipment stories that stood out.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship started with a surprise: his driver failed a USGA conformity test due to excessive face flexibility. The issue wasn’t cheating – over time, even the best clubheads can change with repeated use. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before a major, highlighting how fine the margins are at the elite level.
TaylorMade Qi4D: Tour-Ready Before Launch
Later in the year, TaylorMade turned heads with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS showed how quickly new tech reaches the Tour. Whether or not they were used in competition, the early sightings underscored how involved pros are in product development.
Shorter Than a Wedge: Gariepy’s Tiny Putter
Standing 6’4\”, Philippe Gariepy made waves with a putter shorter than a child’s umbrella – just 58 cm. Inspired by a fun round using a junior club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron for better control and a lower stance to read greens. It was one of the quirkiest and most talked-about gear stories of the year.
Spaun’s Putt Sparks $200M Deal
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s clutch birdie on 18 didn’t just earn applause – it spotlighted his L.A.B. Golf DF3