Disabled Golfer's Case Hits High Court

Jan. 17, 2001 -- -- Casey Martin is no Tiger Woods. But the former college teammate of the world's most celebrated golfer has come into his own fame as the man who's asking the Supreme Court to change the stringent rules of the venerable game of professional golf.

Today, the high court heard lively arguments in Martin's lawsuit against the PGA Tour, a case with potential consequences not just for his future, but on the scope of a landmark disabilities law and the future of competitive golf itself. Martin, 28, lives with a rare circulatory disorder and is suing the Tour for refusing to allow him to use a golf cart during tournament play.

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome, a congenital, degenerative disorder, makes it painful and difficult for Martin to walk. Although his career has included highs such as winning the 1994 NCAA championships with Stanford University teammate Woods, Martin's game is in decline of late as his condition persists. He recently failed to qualify for the 2001 season of the PGA Tour.

Even if his disease ends his golf career, though — amputation of his right leg is possible — Martin could leave a lasting mark on the game he loves.

Just Silly Rules?

The most contentious argument raised in Martin's case is whether allowing him to use the cart will "fundamentally alter" the nature of tournament play.

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The Tour argues that a cart would give Martin an unfair advantage over his competitors. During four days of competition, golfers can walk about 25 miles, and the effort can "affect golfers'concentration, shot-making ability and overall performance," theTour's lawyers said.

Arguing the case for the Tour, H. Bartow Farr III told the court that golf is"nothing more or less than a competition that tests excellence inperforming what the rules require." Allowing Martin to use a golfcart would fundamentally change the nature of the competition, whichthe PGA is not obligated to do under the ADA, Farr said.

But Martin's lawyer, Roy L. Reardon, countered that walking is notfundamental to the game, unlike the size of the hole orwhere a player hits the ball. "He plays every single rule of thegame" even with a golf cart, Reardon said.