From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major acquisitions – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of drama on the course, but it was the gear that often stole the spotlight. From controversial rule tests to bold innovations and record-breaking deals, here are the equipment stories that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise. His driver failed a USGA conformity test due to excessive face flexibility—a result of wear and tear rather than any wrongdoing. After thousands of swings, even the best clubheads can change. McIlroy was forced to switch drivers just before a major, raising questions about equipment longevity at the highest level.
TaylorMade Qi4D: New Drivers Hit the Tour Early
Later in the year, TaylorMade made waves with its Qi4D driver line. Spotted in play during the Abu Dhabi playoffs before their official release, the new models—including the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS—highlighted how quickly prototypes can reach the Tour. Whether or not players used them in competition, the early exposure underscored the close collaboration between pros and manufacturers.
From DIY to Spotlight: The Rise of Unique Putters
Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge—just 58 centimeters. Inspired by a fun round using a child’s club, he cut down his Scotty Cameron to improve control and green reading. The unconventional setup proved effective and became one of the year’s most talked-about gear stories.
Meanwhile, J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie putt on the 18th at the U.S. Open brought massive attention to L.A.B. Golf. His DF3 putter, featuring zero torque and lie-angle balance, minimizes face twisting and stabilizes off-center hits. The buzz led