Casey Martin... anyone recognize that name?
If you're a sports fan you should.
This one man may just change the face of golf and possibly the world of sports forever.
The United States Supreme Court is currently hearing testimony in the Professional Golf Association and vs. Martin.
This could be the final chapter in the three year conflict between Martin and the PGA. Martin sued the PGA in 1998 for the right to ride a cart in tournament play.
A Federal Judge ruled in Martin's favor.
The PGA, however, would not give in easily and filed an appeal. Last March, a Federal Appeals Court affirmed the 1998 ruling. The PGA appealed the ruling again.
Now, it's up to the Supreme Court to decide.
They have been debating the case since Jan. 17.
Martin, 28, suffers from a disability that he has had since birth.
His right leg is affected by Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrom which restricts blood flow and causes immense pain and weakness.
This disease makes it next-to-impossible for him to walk in golf tournaments.
According to PGA rules, every player must walk in competition.
Martin, however, has already been made an exception to this rule.
Throughout the long process of PGA appeals, he has been allowed to use a cart.
He was the first player ever to ride a cart in the United States Open and the PGA in 1998.
This court battle between the PGA and Martin has caused a lot controversy in the golf community.
Every one seems to have strong feelings about the conflict, regardless of which side they support.
"I believe for the integrity of the PGA to be upheld, they have be able to maintain their own standards and regulations," said Rick Shackelford, Assistant Pro at Ridgeway Country Club. "I'd like to see him play, but I think that should be the PGA's choice and no one else's."
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, who are considered golf legends by many, have spoke publicly against players using carts in competition.
Martin is not the first to attempt to convince the PGA to allow carts because of special circumstances.
Charlie Owens petitioned the United States Golf Association in 1987 for permission to use a cart in the U.S. Senior Open, Because of a debilitating accident in the Army, Owens found it difficult to walk.
Owens request was denied.
He walked the first nine holes with crutches and then withdrew from the competition.
Lee Elder requested to use a cart in the 1995 Senior Open.
Elder had suffered a mild heart-attack in 1987 that left him physically disabled.
His request was also denied.
Martin did not give in as easily as his predecessors.
One of the reasons Martin has stayed on the winning side in this court case is because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The act "prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications and activities of state and local government".
The act states that "reasonable accommodations" should be made as long as they don't interfere with the place or event.
The PGA tour's lawyers have said that professional sports are not included in the ADA. Martin's lawyer has said that walking is not a crucial part of the game.
One golfer that agrees with him is U of M women's golf standout, Meaghan Francella.
"I think they should let him use a cart," said Francella. "His disability is equal to walking 18 holes."
The U of M women's golf head coach, Debby King, sides with the PGA tour.
"I don't think he (Martin) should be allowed to use a cart," said coach King. "Our sport is a walking sport.
I don't think a professional basketball or football player would be allowed to use a wheel chair."
Martin is not currently playing in the PGA because of his inability to keep his PGA card. He failed to make the cut at the Tuscon Open, the first tournament of the season.
It is unknown when the Supreme Court will rule on Martin's case.
There is no set time table.
