President Donald Trump has welcomed the decision to delay golf’s proposed ball rollback and made it clear he hopes the controversial plan is never introduced.
Golf’s governing bodies, the USGA and The R&A, announced this week that their proposal to reduce the distance potential of golf balls has been pushed back from 2028 to 2030. The move comes after months of debate involving players, tours, manufacturers and other stakeholders across the sport.
The original proposal was designed to address the growing distances achieved by elite players, with officials concerned that advances in technology were making some traditional golf courses less relevant at the highest level.
However, the announcement was met positively by Trump, who has long opposed the idea.
The President, an avid golfer and owner of several golf courses, took to Truth Social to celebrate the delay, calling it a major victory for players and golf fans.
“Congratulations to Commissioner Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour, and the governing bodies,” Trump wrote. He went on to describe the rollback proposal as a “ridiculous idea” that few people in the sport supported.
Trump argued that golfers should not be forced to sacrifice distance and suggested that governing bodies should instead ensure that future golf balls do not travel farther than current models.
“What the USGA should do is agree that, far into the future, they will not allow the current ball to go further,” Trump said. “In other words, they will keep the ball the same.”
The rollback proposal has divided opinion throughout the golfing world. Supporters believe limiting distance is necessary to protect classic golf courses and preserve the strategic nature of the game. Critics, meanwhile, argue that reducing distance would be unpopular among both professionals and amateurs.
Trump firmly falls into the latter camp.
“The game of golf is hot as a pistol,” he wrote. “The last thing we should do is tell people that, for no reason whatsoever, you will not be able to hit a ball as far as you used to.”
The announcement comes on the eve of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where many of the world’s best players will compete on one of golf’s most demanding layouts.
In a joint statement, the USGA and The R&A said they would use the additional time to work closely with key stakeholders, including the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, to explore alternative options for addressing distance at the elite level.
The governing bodies also stressed that no changes would be made to testing standards until at least January 2030 while those discussions continue.
For now, the controversial rollback plan remains on hold, a decision that has been welcomed by Trump and many others throughout the game as golf’s leaders continue to search for a long-term solution.