Big win for handicapped golfers over Marriott

A federal judge in San Francisco recently ruled against Marriott in a lawsuit involving accessible golf carts for handicapped golfers.

Marriott, which operates 26 courses in the U.S., has said it has no obligation to provide handicapped carts, essentially single-rider carts, to handicapped golfers.

The judge ruled that Marriott had violated the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, as well as the California Disabled Persons Act.

The judge stopped short of issuing an injunction against Marriott, but urged both side to reach an agreement. The suit was brought on behalf of three disabled golfers, two from California and one from Florida.

Of course, the makers of single-carts are crowing about the decision, since it would be good for business.

My two cents: All courses should make these carts available to handicapped golfers. They should not, however, be allowed for healthy golfers. That would lead to ridiculously-crowded golf courses. The last thing we need are more carts on courses.

Too many courses already are cart-only.