America 250: Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones was born on March 17, 1902, in Atlanta, Georgia, and became one of the greatest amateur golfers in history. As a teenager, he reached the third round of the US Amateur at age 14, showing great promise. He went on to win 13 major championships, all as amateurs, a record that still stands. In 1930, Jones was awarded the
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President Donald Trump shared his thoughts on the recent announcement regarding the backsliding of the golf ball and, as is often the case, his opinion on the subject at hand does not necessarily align with that of the majority.
The USGA and R&A – two governing bodies for golf – initially shared a plan in 2023 that golf ball development would change, making balls 15 yards shorter at the professional level and five yards shorter for amateurs. This was a direct approach to combat distance and the view that it has gotten out of control with new technology.
The initial announcement nearly three years ago called for a staggered start that would take effect at the professional level in 2028 and for all other golfers in 2030.
U.S. President Donald Trump tees off on a new 18-hole course at Trump International Golf Links July 29, 2025 in Balmedie, near Aberdeen, Scotland. President Trump is visiting Scotland as part of a combination holiday and work trip, having stayed at its Trump Turnberry Golf Course, followed by Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, between July 25 and 29. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
TEENAGE PHENOM MILES RUSSELL MAKES THE ENTIRE GOLF WORLD OLD WITH STUNNING QUOTE BEFORE US OPEN DEBUT
On Wednesday, on the eve of the 2026 US Open, the USGA and R&A announced that plans to retire golf balls had been put on hold until at least 2030.
Trump praised the decision to suspend efforts to roll back the golf ball in a Truth Social article Wednesday evening.
“Congratulations to Commissioner Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour and governing bodies, and the great U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, on a BIG VICTORY where the USGA wanted to reduce the distance of a golf ball, for whatever reason, and now they are not allowed to do so, at least for many years,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“It was a ridiculous idea, which no one wanted, especially PGA Tour players, and people who don’t want to go on a course, to be told that their drives would be 20 yards shorter. What the USGA should do is accept that in the distant future they will not allow the current ball to go any further. In other words, they will keep the ball the same! Golf is ‘hot as a gun.’ The last thing we should do is tell the people that, for no reason, you won’t be able to hit a ball as far as before. Has anyone ever heard anything so ridiculous?
U.S. President Donald Trump tees off after opening his new golf course at his Trump International Golf Links resort July 29, 2025 in Balmedie, Scotland. US President Donald Trump will visit his Trump Turnberry Golf Course, as well as the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, during a brief visit to Scotland from July 25-29. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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Trump’s suggestion that “no one wanted” golf ball technology to evolve toward fighting distance is not true. The debate in golf, especially at the professional level, is completely divided.
U.S. President Donald Trump attends the 2025 Ryder Cup at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course September 26, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. During his second term, Trump attended several major sporting events (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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Many, if not most, people involved in golf recognize that modern golf ball and driver technology has gotten out of hand. Many golf courses have become “too short” for elite and professional players.
As for the approach golf’s governing bodies are taking to solving the problem, that’s where opinions differ even more. “How” to effectively control the distance that golf balls possess is a million-dollar question today, and this delay proves that the powers that be also need time to tinker.
