Casey Martin Trial and Appeals: 1998-2001

The trial opened on February 2, 1998, in a packed courtroom of the U.S. District Court of Eugene, Oregon, Martin's hometown. It began with a videotape showing Martin's disfigured leg, undoubtedly a powerful appeal for his case. His lawyer then opened by contending that the PGA had never claimed that "walking is fundamental to the game." The PGA's lawyer denied this, insisting that walking the 20 to 25 miles during a major 72-hole tournament involves a physical exertion that is part of the contest. Martin's lawyers were ready for this and called as witness a physiologist who contended that "because of the low level of activity in golf, it is not especially taxing." He estimated that 18 holes of golf would expend some 500 calories, "Nutritionally less than a Big Mac." Meanwhile, a charge by Martin's lawyer that the PGA Tour banned carts mainly because they do not look good on television was dismissed by the PGA lawyer as "a ludicrous comment!"

When the PGA came to open its defense, it employed videotapes of golf greats Jack Niklaus and Arnold Palmer, both of whom insisted that they were not taking any position against Martin, but rather for the game. "I'm more interested," said Palmer, "in the fact that I've always felt and been taught that golf is a game of stamina." Just as crucial was the testimony of two professional golfers who had themselves played tournaments with physical problems. Ken Venturi had won the U.S. Open in 1974 after walking the last 18 holes while suffering severe heat exhaustion. And Scott Verplank, a diabetic who tired easily, said that he had greatly benefited from riding a cart when it was allowed. The PGA Tour concluded its case by calling in its own commissioner, Tim Finchem, who testified that, "If walking were not an integral part of our competition, we would have found a way toward settlement." As the trial entered its final phase, it was revealed that the PGA Tour's position was being supported by the governing bodies of many of the world's major golf organizations: The United States Golf Association; the Ladies Professional Golf Association; the PGA of America, which oversees the Ryder Cup; Augusta National, which governs the Masters tournament; the PGA European tour; the PGA of South Africa; and the Australasia Tour.

Given such an imposing opposition, it was all the more remarkable, that the presiding judge, Magistrate Thomas M. Coffin, ruled on the last day, February 10, in favor of Martin. "Mr. Marin is entitled to his modification because he is disabled. It will not alter what's taking place out there in the course." But well aware that his decision was not the last word, Judge Coffin went on to say, "The ultimate disposition of this case will have significant impact, not just at the level of professional golf, but also at all levels of athletic competition."