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MAY 30, 2001

In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Professional Golfers Association Tour must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and allow disabled golfer Casey Martin to use a cart to compete in tournaments.

The ruling is considered a victory for the rights of disabled, although its effect on other sports is questioned. Martin has a debilitating leg condition which prevents him from walking the distances required of PGA Tour competitors.

Many pro-golfers sympathized with Martin but disagreed with allowing the exemption. They said walking is part of the competition, but the Court said otherwise, holding that the fundamental nature of the game wouldn't be change by the use of the cart.

Justice Antonin Scalia, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented, said the Court should have stayed out of answering this "silly question."

The Court in February upheld the sovereign immunity of states from lawsuits filed under the disabilities act. President George W. Bush, who signed the act into law, filed a friend of the court brief in that case and in Martin's.

Get the Decision PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin:
Syllabus | Opinion | Dissent

Get the Story:
Disabled Pro Golfer Wins Right To Use Cart (The Washington Post 5/30)
Martin's Victory Produces Various Views (The Washington Post 5/30)
Sally Jenkins: A Good Walk Is Truly Spoiled (The Washington Post 5/30)

Related Stories:
Supreme Court limits disabilities act (2/22)