Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

The four-year battle between Casey Martin and the PGA has finally ended. On May 29, 2001, the Supreme Court made a crucial and controversial decision. Many people have heard of the golfer known as Casey Martin. He also happens to have a disability. Martin has a circulation disorder, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome, in his right leg. Martin’s disability makes walking and standing tiring, difficult, and painful.

In the 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Martin could use a golf cart instead of walking the eighteen-hole course in the PGA Tour. The court rejected the claim made by the PGA that said that by allowing Martin to use the cart gave him an unfair advantage. Other golfers will be tired from walking and he will not. The Court said that the ADA needs to be implemented even in PGA tournaments and that using a cart is a reasonable accommodation for Martin.

So, how do we feel about this landmark decision? Well-known golfers Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer disagree with the court’s decision. They claim walking is an essential key to the game. I personally can understand both sides of this issue, but I side with the Supreme Courts decision.

Side One – PGA
Being a golfer means that you’re able to golf and walk the full course. Walking is part of the sport. Golfing is the fact that one has to walk the entire course and do well at putting the golf ball into holes. If one doesn’t walk the entire course, they will not be tired like the other golfers. Hence, this would deem unfair.

Side Two – Casey Martin
Having a disability shouldn’t mean one can’t follow their dreams and goals. The actual skill in golfing is being able to put the golf ball and walking is secondary. Using a golf cart is a necessary accommodation for him in order to golf. As far as being tired, standing alone takes much energy from him and tires him out.

I think the PGA and the other opponents of the Martin case fear that this decision will be abused. They are justified, in my opinion, to be concerned because the ADA has been under some abuse in the past. However, we shouldn’t limit Martin because of potential abusers. We need to continue looking at each case separately and not make blanket decisions. I wish Casey Martin well.