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Casey Martin vs. The PGA: Conclusion

© Michelle Struik

By now, most, if not all, of you have heard the results of this high-profile disability case. Just in case you haven't, it was ruled by U.S. Magistrate Thomas Coffin on Feb. 11, 1998, that Casey Martin is entitled to "reasonable relief" and allowed to use a cart. His ruling does not mean other golfers can use carts.

Although Martin is not a member of the PGA Tour, he is a member of the PGA-sponsored Nike Tour. If Martin finishes amongst the top-10 money winners on the Nike Tour this year, he will automatically win playing rights on the regular PGA Tour.

You'd think this would be the end of the interest this case has generated, but in fact that hasn't exactly been the case. There still appears to be much interest in the decision. Several fellow golfers have expressed their "opinions" both negatively and positively. Tom Watson stated at the Hawaiian Open, "As much compassion as I have for Casey, that's how much contempt I have for the court's decision. The tour looks cold-hearted in this, but people have to realize that the future of the game is at stake. This opens a door that I don't think should have been opened, and I think it could hurt the game. Even on a flat golf course like this one, my 48-year-old body is tired. Could I have shot a better score if I had a cart? Darn right I could have."

Tom Lehman statement's reflected another point of view "I can't think of anything better than seeing a guy with a disability living up to his potential and succeeding at this level."

One other golfer who refused to be identified stated " I don't want to appear heartless, because you can't help but feel sorry for the guy, but he doesn't belong out here."

The PGA's take on the decision was predictable, they are going to appeal it. Nike on the other hand came to a smart decision on their part and issued a press release a week before the trail started putting their support behind Mr. Martin. Nike Chairman and CEO Philip. H. Knight stated in their release "Nike has enjoyed a strong relationship with the PGA Tour over the years. However, we think they are wrong in this particular case."

Does this case open doors for disabled persons? I believe so . . . guardedly. I believe it has elevated the public's perception of disabled person's with somewhat hidden disabilities. It has appeared to me that several comments reported in the press by person's connected to this case have trouble perceiving a person outside of a wheelchair as being disabled. Why else would we have seen so many comments that by playing with a cart this allows Mr. Martin to have an "advantage"? Obviously by making those statements they don't view him as "disabled." However, this case has opened the door for more discussion on disability rights. It has been a hot topic on the talk show circuit (television and radio), on television news and in the national papers. It has made everyone think about disabilities, and that is a step in the right direction.

The copyright of the article Casey Martin vs. The PGA: Conclusion in Disabilities is owned by Michelle Struik. Permission to republish Casey Martin vs. The PGA: Conclusion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.