Casey Martin, a teammate of Tiger Woods at Stanford, filed suit against the PGA. Martin has a circulation problem that makes it medically impossible to walk 18 holes. He currently competes on the Nike Tour, as they allow him to use a golf cart due to his disability. The PGA has refused his request because they feel riding in a cart not only provides an unfair advantage, but that carts cause a distraction and an annoyance.
UPDATE: A U.S. Magistrate has ruled that the PGA must allow Martin to use a cart, should he qualify for the tour, or be in violation of the Americans with Disabilites Act. The PGA will appeal.
Should Casey Martin be allowed to use a golf cart to compete on the PGA Tour? Was the ruling right?
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1/21/98 10:44
The man has a medically verified disability. The PGA is only going to tarnish its image by fighting this in court, as they have chosen to do. This is not a case of a "sore leg" but a true disability. Let him use the golf cart.
1/21/98 12:56
The PGA makes rules that are to be followed. You dont see the NFL making exceptions for a quarterback on crutches do you? You dont see a pitcher in a wheelchair playing for the Pirates do you? Heck Jim Abbott was very handicapped but he managed to pitch very well. Sorry Casey, but if you wanna play you gotta walk.
2/6/98 9:28
How stupid. It's not like golf is that strenuous in the first place. I wish people would stop thinking of it as a real sport to begin with. Let him have the stupid cart!
2/10/98 16:15
Yes-let him use it because he is truly disabled. As for the other fat, slow, and out of shape guys - they should continue to walk.
2/10/98 16:15
Yes-let him use it because he is truly disabled. As for the other fat, slow, and out of shape guys - they should continue to walk.
2/11/98 11:00
What are the reasons given for not allowing him to have the cart?
2/12/98 9:55
GREAT RULING! The golfers should stop whining and realize that Martin will be a draw and add PAYING people to the galleries!
2/18/98 13:50
Until pro golfers start carrying their own bags, Casey SHOULD be allowed to use a cart. Otherwise, what's next: denying wheelchair-confined persons access to public places if they can't climb stairs or fit thruogh doors? Oh, that's right. That issue has already been settled too!
Lyonking@mailexcite.com
3/23/98 15:37
Yes, I think the ruling was fair. It was not Casey's fault that he was born with this problem. And really, how could he have an advantage over the other atheletes? The pain he endures on a daily basis probably far outweighs the use of a cart as far as energy. He probably is worn out walking what he does walk, even if he does use a cart between holes.
Emily
email:egoodish@bellatlantic.net
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