by garry
You are right on the money Balwin.Why shouldn't some one with a pronounced limp and a documented medical condition be able to compete.Thumbs up to the LPGA,the commissioner and Annika.Denying the less fortunate an opportunity to participate is nothing less than BULLING,and we all know that sucks,don't we.Keep it up Baldwin,I'm proud of you.

by Harold Thompson
Casey Martin received too much in the way of consideration. He also did not distinguish himself when he was given an unfair advantage against his competition.
I am a mental health therapist, I have worked with a large number of handicapped individuals (mentally/physically/both) and none of them would consider asking for an unfair advantage in any type of competitive situation.
If the Casey Martin frenzy reaches the point that others may benefit (he's the only one trying to obtain an exceptional advantage - should he get 2 strokes a side?), can I get extra strokes because I am 60, because I am bald, because I am a fan of the Red Sox and Phillies, because the economy in Oklahoma has tanked?
If we keep making such exceptions, pretty soon Tiger Woods will cash in all of his minority cards, ask for an honorary grand slam, and a 30 foot statue status on #17 (you know where - we don't dare mention the name).
Please God, let us get back to achievement. I know it is a lost concept.

by Brooks
Chris, you are really missing the point. Your article is poorly though out and even more poorly delivered. I think it is time for a job change - I thought at first social work might be better for you but I'm not so sure. I think a good portion of your article is facade.

by Ken
I see no problem with any pros using carts for golf. I think the rules should be changed. Walking is not part of the sport at all. Walking is just the exercise between shots.
I also think that the men should be able to wear reasonable clothing. Shorts are a must for warm weather in my book. Being able to withstand heat in long clothing isn't part of the sport either.

by Hal Watson
It is hard not to sympathize with disabled athletes who overcome great adversity, but I tend to agree with Del Foster. I recently saw an article about the Boston marathon and the fact that the best time was by a wheel chair participant; the article then made the rather obvious point that it was a different event. While the difference between a golfer walking and a golfer riding in a cart is not as extreme as the difference between running and rolling a wheelchair, it is still a different event. I am old enough to remember Ken Venturi's emotional US Open win in 1964 after being so overcome with the heat and humidity after the morning third round that his doctor didn't want him to play the final 18. Similarly, Hogan's win at Merion in 1950 was a triumph over incredible physical adversity. Should Hogan have been allowed to ride, since his disability was a continuing one? And what about Venturi, who was normally physically able to walk--should he have been allowed a cart for the final 18 that Saturday because he was suffering from heat exhaustion? Where and how do you draw the line? McKinzie Kline's case is extremely appealing, but sport by its nature requires rules by which all can compete, and I am very uncomfortable with the introduction of subjectivity into the process, and making an exception for physical disability will by necessity at some point require a subjective distinction between those who are disabled enough to meet the exemption and those who are disabled enough to be at a disadvantage vis a vis the other competitors, but not so disabled to meet the exemption. While it pains me, I think the PGA had it right.

by Ch;uck Collet
Mr.Watson; And when my father's father was a kid he had to walk to school 6 miles through the snow at 40 below in his uncle's pyjamas. I may be mistaken but I believe this is 2007. 40 years ago my physically and mentally handicapped daughter would have been wharehoused in some horrible institution, treated like she didn't exist and everyone woould have just said, "that's just the way it is. If you think it's a large leap to golf I beg to differ. In this century I hope we have all learned to be more accepting of others and their disadvantages. When does the time come (if ever) when we start to look at rules and regulations and perhaps change a few to be inclusive no matter what the level of endeavor. Live in the dark ages if you please. I choose to look to the future with hope. I'll be watching the girls with great joy to see the performance of "ALL" the participants, not just the few that seem to measure up to your standards of who deserves the right to compete..Chuck Collet, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia..

by Doug Hawley
Common sense and common decency lacking in golf? How deep is the rock that you crawled out from under? FYI - Since you are obviously not a golfer (well maybe you play but that does not qualify you to be called a golfer), it's high time that you became aware of the differences between the thuggery of the NHL, NBA, Premiership, boxing... the crime rate of those that participate in such sports... the chemical abuse within numerous sports including cycling... Golf remains a sport of decency; its standards of etiquette insure it. Your metaphor lacks substance, it certainly lacks etiquette, and it's not satirical. You have indignified the sport, including Casey Martin (check out the history of his comments along the way in his battle with the PGA Tour). And, you took a cheap shot at Tiger Woods just to evoke a response from the readers. Now that was difficult wasn't it?

by Del Foster
Another BS article about changing the rules for a few, just to make us feel good. And a great opportunity for Elite Left Media to trash the PGA and USGA. Just like Agusta National Membership.
Those that can play, those that can't Write about it.
After reading Casey Martins comments in John Feinstein Book, I conclude Martin ans his Father is just a guy with Political Agenda.
Let take your theory and project it into the MLB, NBA or NFL.
THE BEST PLAYERS PLAY, NOT ALLOWANCES FOR

by Larry Busch
What an unrrealistic attitude! How do you compare a person trying to have rules amended so he can make a living at the highest level of golf to a young girl being given an exemption to a tournament as an amateur in an attempt to help her fulfill a dream? And then to evoke the name of Tiger Woods just to elicit angry responses? Pretty low even for you!

by Bob Dobbs

by Ch;uck Collet
Chris;- Your piece on riding golf cart exemptions for the two ladies who have been given one, (for good cause), was interesting and the stories are touching. I am all for the inclusion of everyone in the game of golf be it pro or amateur.
You did however ruin some of the impact by this inate problem you have of including something negative into everything your write. Why couldn't you just give us the story without taking any opportunity to put tiger woods down (or anyone else for that matter), and in the process turn a full glass into one half empty.. Hopefully you are still learning to be a responsible reporter who knows when to attack and when to stick with what really works. CHUCK COLLET, PITT MEADOWS, BRITISH COLUMBIA