The USGA and R&A were all set to implement the rollback policy at the professional level from 2028. However, on Wednesday, the governing bodies announced that the proposed changes would not be implemented until at least 2030.

To combat increasing driving distance, the USGA and R&A brought forth the idea of the rollback policy nearly three years ago. Interestingly, U.S. President Donald Trump has never been in support of it.

"It was a ridiculous idea, that nobody wanted, especially PGA Tour Players, and people that don’t want to go to a Course to be told that their drives will be going 20 yards shorter. What the USGA should do is agree that, far into the future, they will not allow the current ball to go further,” President Trump said according to a post by @NUCLRGOLF on X.

The decision to delay comes after the governing bodies sat with the PGA Tour leadership, DP World Tour leadership, and the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council to figure out a way to sort the distance issue.

First of all, the bodies agreed that the issue has to be formally acknowledged by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. 

Secondly, the updated Overall Distance Standard (ODS) has been questioned, and both the tours have been unsure whether the testing will reach its ultimate goal.

“In other words, they will keep the ball the same! The game of Golf is "hot as a pistol." 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. Has anyone ever heard of anything so ridiculous?" President Trump added.

Alternative methods will now be welcomed by the governing bodies. They will be aimed at ensuring minimal disruption to the golf market while also addressing the distance issues.

Trump claimed that no player on the PGA Tour wanted the change but that’s not the case. 

Notable PGA Tour Players Who Were In Support Of The Rollback Policy

Masters Chairman Fred Ridley came out heavily in support of the rollback policy before the Masters. He was looking ahead to an agreement that would solve the distance issue.

Most notably, World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has voiced his support for the ball change.

"I think that I agree with some of the principles behind the golf ball rollback," Scheffler said. "I think when you look at how power and hitting the ball high have become so important in our game."

Even World No.2 Rory McIlroy could not comprehend the backlash that the policy was facing.

"It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability," wrote McIlroy on X back in 2023.

15-time major winner Tiger Woods has also acknowledged the change. He was one of the first to suggest it, to preserve the traditional courses.

What are your thoughts on the rollback policy? Do you think it’s a progressive decision? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi