Many golfers found it difficult to find the gear they needed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 epidemic and supply-chain challenges, but it was still a banner year for equipment innovation. Players of all levels strived to hit the ball further, hole more putts, and shoot lower scores. For the first time, we saw technology used in major championships, great athletes make huge changes, and brands re-enter categories with intriguing new options.
With the impending release of the USGA and R&A’s distance findings and reports, 2022 promises to be a major year in terms of equipment, it’s time to look back at some of the most eye-catching and noteworthy gear we saw in 2021.
Rory McIlroy used a blade-style putter for much of his amateur and professional career, but switched to a mallet a few years ago, opting for TaylorMade’s Spider in several varieties. Rory tried out a heel-toe weighted TaylorMade Juno blade here and there, but after struggling on the greens this summer, McIlroy made a splash at the Tokyo Olympics by hauling out an old Scotty Cameron Newport. Gearheads went crazy, but a few weeks later, McIlroy won the CJ Cup with a TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast he had in his bag.
