USGA, R&A Pause Golf Ball Rollback Until 2030 as Trump Praises Delay
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 18
USGA, R&A Pause Golf Ball Rollback Until 2030 as Trump Praises Delay
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 18
Summary
At least a 2-year delay pushed the planned golf-ball rollback to 2030 after the USGA and R&A said, on the eve of the U.S. Open, they were pausing the change.
The 2023 plan would have cut driving distance by up to 15 yards for professionals and 5 yards for amateurs, with an earlier pro start originally set for 2028.
Donald Trump hailed the pause on Truth Social, calling the rollback a "ridiculous idea" and arguing golfers should keep the current ball rather than lose 20 yards.
Golf’s governing bodies had pursued the change because modern balls and drivers have made some elite courses effectively too short, but the split reaction shows the sport still lacks consensus on how to curb distance.