From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand moves – 2025 delivered big in golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season wasn’t just about birdies and trophies—it was also a year of bold gear choices, controversial rulings, and major industry shifts. From Rory McIlroy’s disqualified driver to a $200 million putter company sale, here are the equipment stories that defined the year.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy kicked off his PGA Championship 2025 campaign with unexpected drama. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility—likely the result of wear from thousands of pro-level swings. With the club deemed non-conforming, McIlroy had to switch drivers just before a major championship, sparking widespread discussion about equipment longevity and regulation.
New Tech and Surprises on Tour
Later in the year, TaylorMade grabbed attention with the early appearance of its Qi4D driver series during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Though not yet officially released, the new models—including a low-spin LS version and a Core version with four weights—were spotted in the bags of top pros. The sighting underscored how quickly new gear can make its way from R&D to the course.
Meanwhile, Canadian golfer Philippe Gariepy turned heads with a putter shorter than a pitching wedge—just 58 centimeters long. Inspired by a child’s club during a casual round, Gariepy cut down his Scotty Cameron putter. The deep stance helped him read greens better and gave him more control, proving that unconventional setups can sometimes yield surprising results.
Big Moves: Spaun’s Putt and a $200M Sale
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun’s dramatic birdie putt on the 18th hole didn’t just boost his score—it catapulted L.A.B. Golf into the spotlight. His Direct Force 3 putter, featuring zero-torque and lie-angle balance technology, helped stabilize off-center hits and maintain square face alignment. The buzz led to a $200 million acquisition of L.A.B. Golf, though the company promised to stay true to its founding philosophy despite private equity involvement.
Wilson Golf also made waves in 2025 by reimagining its development process. Drawing on expertise from other sports like tennis and basketball, Wilson launched its DYNAPWR series and refreshed its branding to appeal to a younger audience. The company also introduced Fit AI, an artificial intelligence tool that analyzes swing patterns and impact data to recommend ideal club specs—bringing data-driven fitting to the forefront of the golf experience.