Golfer's Court Win Bodes Ill for Private Groups

Cal Thomas | Syndicated columnist | Published: May 31, 2001

Golfer's Court Win Bodes Ill for Private Groups

I'm glad Casey Martin can play golf on the PGA tour. I just wish he hadn't made a federal case out of it. The Supreme Court ruled this week that Martin, who suffers from an ailment that requires him to use a golf cart in the major PGA tournaments (a violation of PGA rules), may in fact use the cart because of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

What bothers me is that Martin will not be the last petitioner. Other aggrieved groups are waiting in line with claims that certain sports or artists discriminate against them because of their handicaps or persuasions. Where will it end? What if a white man claims discrimination by the NBA because he can't jump as high or play as well as black players? Think it can't happen? Then you haven't been paying attention to the freelance law created by the courts these last 50 years.

Playing golf is not a constitutional right. The PGA is an organization that ought to be allowed to set its own rules. Changes should come from members, not courts. This entire matter didn't need to reach the Supreme Court. Now that it has, watch for more litigation to come. Anyone for fat ballerinas?

Golfer's Court Win Bodes Ill for Private Groups