From banned drivers to ultra-short putters and major brand shakeups – 2025 was a big year for golf equipment.
The 2025 golf season delivered plenty of on-course drama, but the gear used by the pros also made waves. From controversial rule checks to bold innovations and surprising success stories, here are the equipment highlights that captured the golf world’s attention.
McIlroy’s Driver Fails the Test
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 PGA Championship campaign began with a surprise. His driver failed a USGA test due to excessive face flexibility – not because of foul play, but because wear and tear over time altered the club’s properties. After thousands of swings, even the best clubheads can change. McIlroy had to switch drivers just before a major, raising questions about equipment longevity and testing protocols.
New Tech and Bold Moves
Later in the year, TaylorMade drew attention with its unreleased Qi4D drivers spotted during the Abu Dhabi playoffs. Models like the Core with four weights and the low-spin LS were seen in the bags of top pros before any official launch. The early adoption highlighted how deeply tour players are involved in product development and how quickly new tech hits the course.
Meanwhile, Philippe Gariepy made headlines 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 deep stance improved his green reading, and the short shaft gave him more control – an unconventional but effective solution.
Big Wins and Bigger Deals
At the U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun drained a dramatic birdie putt on 18, shining a spotlight on his L.A.B. Golf putter. The Direct Force 3 (DF3) features zero torque and lie-angle balance to reduce face twisting and improve off-center hits. The buzz around Spaun