Martin and Palmer, the Disability Connection

Yesterday, golf legend Arnold Palmer teamed with broadcaster Jim Nantz for a Special Olympics fundraiser. As part of its promo for this event, Special Olympics touted its well-deserved reputation for encouraging athletes with disabilities to focus on what they CAN do.
Ten years ago, Casey Martin, currently the head golf coach at the University of Oregon, was awaiting word from the Supreme Court. Martin was born with a rare condition called Parkes-Weber syndrome. The condition causes chronic pain, internal bleeding, and bone erosion in his right leg. There is no known effective treatment.
Martin played golf as a boy, and went on to play at Stanford University. He was good enough that he decided to give the pro tour a try. However, due to the fact that walking triggers sharp pain and fatigue, he requested to use a golf cart. The PGA Tour would have none of that, so Martin decided to fight back, and sued the tour under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
What does all of this have to do with Arnold Palmer? Well, Arnold, along with Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus, maintained that a golf cart could give Martin an unfair advantage. Palmer actually gave a deposition to this effect on behalf of the PGA. The PGA maintained that walking a golf course was a fundamental part of the game. Arnie and the rest were concerned that if the PGA allowed Martin to use a golf cart, that could lead to a deluge of requests. Also, it would change the level of the playing field.
The Supreme Court ruled in Martin’s favor. Yesterday, Arnie reached out to people with diverse abilities, needs, and dreams. 38 year-old Casey Martin’s career as a professional golfer never really got off the ground. However, his drive and determination opened up doors and created a more level playing field in society. I wonder if Arnie has any regrets, and whether his thinking has changed? I hope so.